The government has allocated Sh8.2 billion to the Blue Economy and fisheries sub-sector in the 2026/27 financial year, continuing investment in fish landing site projects across coastal and lakeside counties that are nearing completion.
The funding is part of a broader strategy to boost fisheries production, expand aquaculture, and upgrade infrastructure used by fisherfolk across the country.
"The blue economy offers meaningful opportunity for coastal and lakeside communities," said National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi while presenting the Budget Statement for the 2026/27 financial year in Parliament.
Of the Sh8.2 billion allocation, Sh2.1 billion has been earmarked for the Aquaculture Business Development Project, Sh1.8 billion for the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development Project, and Sh578 million for the Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Centre.
Treasury says the funds are intended to expand aquaculture, raise fisherfolk incomes, and create jobs in value addition and logistics across the fisheries value chain.
Construction of fish landing sites along the coast is ongoing, with five sites expected to be completed by June 2026. In Kwale County, the Mwaepe fish landing site is being built at Sh255 million. In Mombasa County, the Kidongo site is under construction at Sh175 million. In Kilifi County, the Kilifi Central site is being developed at Sh275 million. In Tana River County, the Kipini site stands at Sh151 million, while in Lamu County, the Mokowe site is being constructed at Sh239 million.
Each landing site is designed with ice and cold storage facilities, boat docking areas, fish processing units, ablution blocks, market stalls, and waste management systems. The facilities aim to improve handling and storage, support fish trade, strengthen hygiene standards, and reduce post-harvest losses.
On Lake Victoria, nine fish landing sites are also under development, including Asat, Ogal, Bumbe, Wichlum, Asembo Bay, Wakula, Mainuga, Nyandiwa, and Got Kachola. The projects, valued at Sh1.49 billion, are expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and are intended to improve fish handling and market access for surrounding communities.
In the northern region, two major projects are underway around Lake Turkana. The Kalokol Fish Landing Site, valued at Sh182 million, is expected to feature docking facilities, cold storage, ice plants, and fish processing and market infrastructure. The Lowarengak Fish Market, costing Sh185 million, is also under construction and will include cold storage units, hygienic market stalls, and processing facilities for fishers and traders.
Alongside the Blue Economy investments, the budget has also set aside funds for livestock and pastoral development. Sh3.3 billion has been proposed for the De-Risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies programme, Sh1.3 billion for the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Programme (KeLCoP), and Sh400 million for the Livestock Value Chain Support Project.
Treasury says these allocations are aimed at improving market access, supporting livestock commercialisation, strengthening animal health services, and building resilience among pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid regions.
The combined investments in fisheries and livestock are part of efforts to strengthen food production systems and improve livelihoods in coastal, lakeside, and pastoral regions, while also expanding infrastructure that connects producers to markets and increases participation in value chains.
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