Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has said Homa Bay County stands to benefit significantly from hosting this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, both economically and infrastructurally.
The national holiday, set for Sunday, June 1, 2025, will be marked at the newly commissioned Raila Odinga Stadium, a modern 12,000-seater facility that Mwaura described as a symbol of the transformative impact of devolution.
Speaking on Saturday, Mwaura said the decision to hold the celebrations in Homa Bay reflects the government’s commitment to equitable development across the country.
“This year’s Madaraka Day theme, ‘Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth’, highlights the untapped potential of our aquatic resources to uplift lives, create jobs, and drive national prosperity,” he said.
Mwaura noted that Homa Bay’s location along Lake Victoria made it an ideal host, as the theme aligns with the county’s natural economic advantage.
“The selection of Homa Bay is both intentional and symbolic. It underscores our commitment to harnessing the immense opportunities in our lakes, rivers, and coastal waters,” he said.
He explained that the celebrations aim to catalyse sustainable growth, enhance livelihoods, and boost employment, especially among lakeside communities.
Key Infrastructure Projects
Mwaura outlined several infrastructure upgrades in the county linked to the celebrations and the blue economy agenda:
- Raila Odinga Stadium constructed at a cost of KSh 500 million.
- Over 35 kilometres of new roads built to improve accessibility.
- Kabunde Airstrip upgraded to facilitate smooth air travel for guests and investors.
“These developments are improving connectivity for fishers, traders, and tourists, bolstering the Blue Economy sector,” he added.
Support for the Blue Economy
Mwaura said the government has allocated KSh 1.5 billion to support the development of modern fish landing sites, equipped with cold storage and processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
He also addressed cross-border water conflicts on Lake Victoria, quoting President William Ruto:
“There shall be a common license to reduce insecurity that happens in the lake.”
Mwaura highlighted the government’s efforts to make aquaculture a central pillar of Homa Bay’s economy, turning the region into a hub of innovation and sustainable production.
Boosting Aquaculture and Youth Empowerment
Through the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP), supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the government has distributed:
- 12,429 geomembrane pond liners
- 105,722 bags of fish feed
These have benefited small-scale farmers in Homa Bay and 14 other counties, significantly boosting fish production.
He also noted that construction of the Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Service and Training Center of Excellence (KFASTCE) is currently 17.5 percent complete. The project is funded at KSh 1.3 billion by the Government of Hungary and will equip youth with modern aquaculture skills, fostering entrepreneurship and job creation.
Economic Surge and Tourism Growth
According to Mwaura, the Madaraka Day festivities have already triggered an economic surge in Homa Bay, with local hotels, food vendors, and transport services recording booming business as thousands of visitors arrive.
He said President Ruto’s recent launch of the Homa Bay Modern Fish Market will improve hygiene and efficiency in the fish trade.
Additionally, the refurbished Homa Bay Pier and improved road networks are expected to promote water-based tourism, including boat tours to Rusinga Island, opening up new opportunities for local tour guides and service providers.
Call to Celebrate Unity and Opportunity
Mwaura urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to celebrate the country’s progress and embrace the potential of the blue economy.
He concluded by noting that the success of this year’s celebrations is the result of collaboration between the National Government, the County Government of Homa Bay, the Ministry of Interior, and the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries—all working to lay the foundation for sustainable national growth.
