Siaya: State Accepts Orengo Request to Construct Modern Fish Market in Usenge

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The State Department for Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday conducted a guided tour of the site where a modern fish market is to be constructed in Usenge, Bondo sub-County of Siaya County.

Photos | Samson Wire, Directorate of Public Communication, County Government of Siaya

Led by the Secretary, Urban and Metropolitan Development Eng Benjamin Njenga the team paid a courtesy call on Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo at the county headquarters before proceeding to Usenge town.

The initiative is in fulfilment of a directive by President Dr William Samoei Ruto during his last visit to the area that the fish market be built following a request by Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo.

The technical team was conducted in the Usenge site visit by Eng Maurice Otieno McOrege of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development in the Siaya County Government together with his Agriculture counterpart Sylvester K’Okoth.

The project aims at modernizing fish landing sites with up-to-date equipment to enhance fish production and sales. Usenge is one of the major fish landing sites on Lake Victoria.

“Siaya County is fortunate to have been selected by the National Government under President William Ruto for development in the areas of blue economy and maritime activities. Your County is very privileged to be on our list for this significant project,” said Njenga.

Governor Orengo buoyant from the recent high-profile visit by two Heads of State during the 4th Piny Luo Cultural Festival and the opening of the state-of-the-art Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium confirmed that the county government will play it’s part in the partnership.

The National Government, through the Ministry of Interior and National Coordination, will conduct security surveillance on the land designated for the project, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to all procedural requirements. They will also address issues like potential displacement, guaranteeing compliance with compensation protocols to fulfill the project’s vision.

The Ministry of Interior and National Coordination will verify land titles and oversee any necessary relocations. The Kenya Shipyard will contribute technical expertise crucial for designing cost-effective and manageable maritime features. Meanwhile, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) will focus on the physical planning of the projects at Usenge Beach and other areas, optimizing the space for operational efficiency.

Collaboration will extend to other government departments at both the county and national levels, particularly in roads and transport, to address technical aspects of the road networks around the project area, ensuring accessibility and minimal disruption to local communities.

A roadmap will be developed, detailing timelines for design, advertising, and tendering processes. A joint team from both government levels will be formed to manage this vision.

Governor Orengo expressed optimism about the ongoing partnership, stating, “I am very confident based on today’s presentations and the goodwill shown by the National Government led by President William Ruto. I will ensure everything within my power is achieved.” He announced that Maurice MC’Orege, CECM for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, will oversee the project.

Orengo also acknowledged the potential for further development in areas like Yala and Wagai, emphasizing Siaya’s untapped potential. At the meeting, he was accompanied by County Secretary Mr. Joseph Ogutu and CECMs Agunda Ochanda (Governance, Administration, and ICT), Sylvester Okoth (Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, and Blue Economy), and Maurice MC’Orege.

This meeting precedes the visit by Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, scheduled for January 29th, which will include a field visit to Usenge, Wich Lum, and Asembo Bay fish landing sites.