Nairobi, 10 November 2025 — In a landmark development for Kenya’s Homa Bay County, a Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Policy was officially signed and endorsed by H.E. Gladys Wanga, Governor of Homa Bay County. The policy is the first of its kind for the county that accounts for the largest catch from Lake Victoria, which forms the backbone of the county’s economy. The signing of policy marks the culmination of three years of extensive community participation and close collaboration between the County Government, Department of Fisheries with technical support from WorldFish. The policy provides a framework to modernize fisheries, grow sustainable aquaculture and harness the sector as engines of economic development and job creation in the county.
Homa Bay, which holds the largest share of Kenya’s Lake Victoria waters, is a key contributor to national fish production. However, the sector has faced persistent challenges, including declining capture fisheries, inconsistent aquaculture input supply, post-harvest losses, and limited market access. The new policy strives to directly address these gaps by outlining actionable measures to restore aquatic resources, promote climate-resilient aquaculture, modernize value chains, and expand market access.
“This policy is a bold step forward as it emphasizes community empowerment, gender inclusion, climate resilience, and public-private partnerships as foundational pillars of a thriving blue economy. Through this policy, we aim to unlock the full potential of our aquatic resources while safeguarding the ecological integrity of Lake Victoria,” said H. E. Gladys Wanga, Governor, Homabay County.
Notably, the policy enshrines a gender sensitive approach, recognizing the central role that women and youth play in fish production, harvesting, processing, and trade. The framework establishes pathways to address the systemic barriers that have historically limited their participation in leadership, financing, and economic benefit-sharing.
“The policy builds on studies of gendered impact of climate change on fishers, farmers and value chain actors and will connect science to action and impact – a model approach that can hopefully benefit other counties and fishing communities in Kenya,” shared Dr. Rahma Adam, Senior Scientist and Socio-Economic Inclusion Impact Lead at WorldFish, who has done extensive research at the intersection of climate change, gender and livelihoods for fishing communities in the Lake Victoria region.
Lake Victoria is the world’s second largest freshwater lake, placing tremendous potential in the implementation of policy to transform the economy, livelihoods and social development in the region.
“This policy is grounded in the principles of sustainability, equity, and innovation. It outlines actionable strategies to enhance fish production, improve value chains, promote responsible aquaculture, and empower women and youth in the sector. It is both a call to action and a commitment to stewardship.” Sarah Malit, County Executive Committee Member Blue Economy, Fisheries, Mining and Digital Economy
WorldFish will continue to be a technical partner to support Homa Bay County in the implementation of the policy, alongside other organizations and stakeholders, leveraging insights and experience from its ongoing projects that are already advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in Kenya.
The Homa Bay Country Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Policy will be launched on 21st of November, during World Fisheries day, by H.E. Gladys Atieno Wanga, alongside community representatives, producer groups, researchers, and development partners. The new policy is widely recognized as a breakthrough framework for advancing sustainable aquatic food systems and inclusive economic growth in the Lake Victoria Zone Region.
Notes to editor:
Press contact
Danyell Odhiambo
Communication Specialist, WorldFish
Tel: +254712716971
Email: d.odhiambo@cgiar.org
About WorldFish
WorldFish is a leading international research organization and a member of CGIAR, working to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty by sustainably improving aquatic food systems. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy, and knowledge to enable equitable, inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish and other aquatic foods for their livelihoods.
Projects in Kenya: Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) and Climate-Resilient Aquaculture Systems for Africa (CASA).
For more information, visit: www.worldfishcenter.org