The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has unveiled plans to establish a Maritime Regional Communication Centre (MRCC) in Kisumu to enhance emergency response efforts on Lake Victoria.
This development comes after a series of tragic boat accidents on the lake that have resulted in hundreds of fatalities, highlighting the need for improved rescue operations.
The project, a collaborative effort between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, aims to install advanced navigation equipment and a state-of-the-art communication network on the lake to ensure swift responses during emergencies, according to Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ali Hassan Joho.
Joho announced that the centre, to be built at the Kisumu Pier, will be equipped with modern facilities, including a boat ambulance and speedboats, to facilitate quick rescue and evacuation of victims.
In addition, the facility will be linked to search and rescue centers in Busia, Migori, Siaya, and Homabay, and will coordinate with other MRCCs in the region to provide redundancy and enhance operations.
During a visit to the project site at Kisumu Pier, Joho, accompanied by Maritime Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Geoffrey Kaituko, emphasized the government's commitment to fast-tracking the project to ensure the safety of fishermen and travelers on the lake.
The PS explained that the centre will coordinate rescue operations on Lake Victoria in partnership with Uganda and Tanzania, as part of the government’s efforts to revive lake transport and enhance connectivity between the three countries.
With improved safety measures in place, the government aims to boost blue economy activities on the lake, creating jobs for the youth and fostering trade both within and between counties, Kaituko added.
He also mentioned plans to collaborate with fisherfolk cooperative societies to help fishermen acquire safer fiber boats, thereby reducing accidents on the lake.
Kaituko further stated that the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has donated land for the project and has also acquired additional land, highlighting the transformative potential of the project for transport and operations on Lake Victoria.
He noted that a contractor has already been identified and will soon be handed over the site to commence construction.
The PS underscored that KMA is relying on this major initiative to revive lake transport, which has been dormant for the past three decades.
“We have received directives from President Dr. William Ruto to introduce a new vessel on the lake to enhance transport,” he said.
He added that the vessel will soon be operational, facilitating inter-county travel and reopening historic routes connecting Kisumu with Mwanza, Bukoba, and Jinja.