Agriculture and the Blue Economy: Catalysts for Economic Growth in Kenya’s Nyanza Region
By Ronald Ochieng | World Economic Federation | July 2025
Kenya’s Nyanza region, nestled along the northeastern shores of Lake Victoria, is home to immense natural wealth and cultural resilience. Its economy has traditionally been supported by agriculture and fishing, but in recent years, there has been a growing national and regional push to integrate blue economy strategies alongside agricultural transformation. This article, published by World Economic Federation, explores how agriculture and the blue economy are shaping Nyanza’s development—and what that means for Kenya’s broader economic landscape.
Agriculture in Nyanza: Tradition and Transition
Agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood in the counties of Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, and Nyamira. Small-scale farming of crops such as maize, sorghum, beans, millet, and groundnuts has historically supported rural households. Sugarcane farming, especially in Migori and Homa Bay, and rice farming in Ahero (Kisumu County) contribute significantly to local economies.
However, challenges persist:
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Erratic rainfall and changing weather patterns
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Soil degradation and land overuse
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Poor market access and fluctuating prices
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Limited uptake of modern technology and irrigation
To counter these, there has been a gradual shift toward climate-smart agriculture, improved seed varieties, and mechanization efforts. Programmes supported by county governments and national ministries, such as subsidized farm inputs and cooperative strengthening, aim to enhance productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.
The Rise of the Blue Economy
Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater body in Africa—and a lifeline for the Nyanza region. The blue economy taps into the sustainable use of aquatic resources for economic growth, job creation, and food security.
Key sectors of the blue economy in Nyanza include:
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Fisheries and aquaculture: Lake Victoria supports over 200,000 livelihoods through fishing, fish trade, and fish processing. Nile perch and tilapia are major commercial species.
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Boat transport and water tourism: Kisumu Port, recently revived, is positioned to boost trade and logistics across the East African Community (EAC) region.
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Water conservation and research: Institutions like KMFRI (Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute) are working on lake health, pollution reduction, and fish breeding technologies.
Sustainable investment in the blue economy is not just about fishing—it includes ecosystems, innovation, and inclusive business models that protect the lake while creating opportunities for youth and women.
Agriculture, Blue Economy, and the Wider Economy
When agriculture and the blue economy are developed side by side, they create a powerful economic multiplier effect. The Nyanza region has the potential to become a regional food and fish processing hub, supplying not only the domestic market but also neighboring countries.
Some economic impacts already visible:
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Expansion of fish processing factories in Kisumu and Homa Bay
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Revival of cotton and sugar sectors for agro-industrial use
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New investments in rice irrigation (e.g. Ahero and West Kano schemes)
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Cross-border trade via lake transport with Uganda and Tanzania
When supported with infrastructure (like roads, cold storage, and ports), these industries can lift entire communities out of poverty and generate thousands of jobs.
The Role of World Economic Federation and Public Dialogue
At World Economic Federation, contributors from around the globe shed light on regional stories that reflect global economic themes. In the case of Nyanza, agriculture and the blue economy align with three major global goals:
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Food and water security
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Sustainable job creation
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Climate-resilient economies
By amplifying stories like Nyanza’s, the Federation encourages inclusive conversations on how underutilized sectors like freshwater economies and rural agriculture can help shape a fairer, greener, and more prosperous global economy.
Final Thought
The Nyanza region stands at a unique crossroads. With Lake Victoria on one side and fertile agricultural lands on the other, the region has all the ingredients for economic transformation. The next step is strategic investment, regional cooperation, youth participation, and sustainability at the core.
Agriculture and the blue economy aren’t just traditional sectors—they are the future of Kenya’s economic resilience. And if nurtured well, they may turn Nyanza into a model of rural development for the entire African continent