Homa Bay’s Abandoned Pier Transformed Into Modern Maritime Facility [Photos]

Homa Bay Town is on the verge of becoming a regional gateway for trade and lake transport following the complete redevelopment of the Homa Bay Pier into a modern maritime facility.

Homa Bay Town is on the verge of becoming a regional gateway for trade, tourism and lake transport following the complete redevelopment of the Homa Bay Pier into a modern maritime facility.

In a statement on Monday, October 26, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the project had transformed the previously neglected waterfront along Lake Victoria into a facility with the potential to boost the local economy and improve connectivity across the region.

“Four years ago, this prime stretch of the Lake Victoria waterfront lay abandoned, choked by water hyacinth and weeds.

“Today, it has been transformed into a modern maritime facility with the potential to reshape the town’s economic prospects and strengthen its connection to the wider Lake Victoria region,” he wrote.

According to Omollo, the redevelopment, implemented by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), includes a modern ferry ramp designed with a 30-degree gradient to facilitate smooth roll-on/roll-off operations.

He said the facility had also been equipped with supporting infrastructure to improve port operations and accommodate passengers and cargo, with construction works now complete ahead of its official commissioning.

“The facility also features terminal buildings, warehouses, a ferry waiting bay and a permanent administrative office. Construction is complete, and the pier now awaits official commissioning,” he added.

The upgraded pier is expected to improve the movement of people and goods across Lake Victoria, providing opportunities for traders, transport operators and businesses that depend on lake transport. 

The facility is also expected to support tourism and strengthen livelihoods linked to fishing and other lake-based economic activities.

“For Homa Bay residents, reliable ferry services and better port facilities will ease the movement of people and goods, create opportunities for traders and transport operators, stimulate tourism and support livelihoods linked to fishing and other lake-based enterprises,” Omollo further said.

Omollo said the pier’s strategic location is expected to strengthen transport links between Homa Bay and other destinations around Lake Victoria, including Kisumu, Mbita, Siaya, Busia and Migori. 

It is also positioned to improve access to islands on the lake, among them Mfangano Island.

Beyond domestic connectivity, the facility could open up wider regional trade and passenger transport opportunities by linking Kenya’s lakeside communities with neighbouring countries that share Lake Victoria.

“Its wider regional potential extends to Entebbe and Jinja in Uganda and Mwanza in Tanzania, offering opportunities to expand cross-border commerce, tourism and passenger transport,” he concluded.

This comes weeks after Omollo issued an update on the ongoing construction of the Usenge Pier in Bondo, Siaya County. 

In a statement on Sunday, October 11, he said the project, which was launched in March 2026, is being implemented in two phases. 

Omollo noted that the first phase of the project includes earthworks, a perimeter wall, a gate and guardhouse, landscaping, and a 25-meter-wide, 200-meter-long jetty. 

“Spearheaded by the Kenya Ports Authority and implemented by Kenya Shipyards Limited, the project is being delivered in two phases. 

“The first includes earthworks, a perimeter wall, a gate and guardhouse, landscaping, and a 25-meter-wide, 200-meter-long jetty,” read the statement in part.

The facility will also have an administration block, security installations, and cold-storage units to reduce post-harvest fish losses once completed. 

According to Omollo, the pier will serve as a commercial satellite port and regional transport hub, linking key landing sites once it is operational. 

“Once operational, Usenge Pier will serve as a commercial satellite port and regional transport hub, linking key landing sites including Luanda, K’otieno, Mbita, Homa Bay, Sena, and Kisumu,” he stated. 

Further, he said water buses and ferry services will improve passenger and cargo movement while reducing travel time to Kisumu by about 30 minutes compared with road transport.

“As activity on the lake expands, marine safety and security will remain critical to protecting passengers, traders, and infrastructure,” he added.

Kevin Koech is a seasoned digital journalist with over five years in the industry, covering breaking news, current affairs, and business stories.

Linda Mwananchi’s Statement After Alleged Abduction of Tanzanian Activist in Kenya

KNEC Announces Release of July 2026 TVET Exam Results; How to Access

I Campaigned for Kalonzo in 1992 in Mwingi – President Ruto

KPSEA and KJSEA Assessments Commence Across the Country

Homa Bay’s Abandoned Pier Transformed Into Modern Maritime Facility [Photos]

News Linda Mwananchi’s Statement After Alleged Abduction of Tanzanian Activist in Kenya

News KNEC Announces Release of July 2026 TVET Exam Results; How to Access

News I Campaigned for Kalonzo in 1992 in Mwingi – President Ruto

News KPSEA and KJSEA Assessments Commence Across the Country

News Linda Mwananchi’s Statement After Alleged Abduction of Tanzanian Activist in Kenya

News KNEC Announces Release of July 2026 TVET Exam Results; How to Access

News I Campaigned for Kalonzo in 1992 in Mwingi – President Ruto

News KPSEA and KJSEA Assessments Commence Across the Country