KMA Census Reveals 16,225 Vessels Operating on Lake Victoria

A recent census by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) across the counties of Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori has identified a total of 16,225 vessels currently active on Lake Victoria. 

The report, compiled in March, shows Homa Bay leads with 6,955 vessels, followed by Siaya with 5,142, Kisumu with 1,470, Busia with 1,368, and Migori with 1,290. The majority of these are fishing boats, emphasizing the lake’s key role in supporting local fisheries. 

The census also highlighted that vessel ownership is predominantly male, with 13,398 male owners compared to 2,063 female owners across the five counties. A wide range of vessels were recorded, including fishing boats, passenger ferries, cargo ships, and recreational boats. 

“This variety reflects the lake’s diverse uses and points to the importance of developing specific safety measures for different vessel types,” the report notes. Understanding the types and purposes of these vessels is essential to grasp the full scope of activities on the lake. 

The data confirms that wooden boats dominate, making up more than 95% of the fleet, while fibreglass boats remain minimal. 

Lake Victoria is one of Kenya’s most important inland waterways, serving multiple roles in transportation, fishing, and leisure. The census captured detailed information on each vessel, including size, type, owner, and safety equipment onboard. 

According to Julius Koech, KMA’s Director of Maritime Safety, “This exercise is vital for building a reliable vessel database, ensuring safety compliance, and boosting maritime security.” 

He added that the data will help the authority strengthen safety standards, reduce accidents, and enhance emergency response, ultimately safeguarding both passengers and crew. Furthermore, accurate vessel records will support efforts to combat illegal activities such as theft and unauthorized fishing. 

Koech emphasized that the findings will enhance vessel tracking and law enforcement in the maritime sector. 

Job Creation and Economic Development 

The census is expected to play a crucial role in shaping policies that support Kenya’s blue economy strategy and Vision 2030, both of which emphasize job creation and wealth generation through the sustainable use of natural resources. 

Lake Victoria is home to a vast array of biodiversity, including over 500 fish species that are essential for food and commercial activities. Fishing remains a major livelihood for hundreds of thousands of people, offering food security, income, and employment. 

In addition to fishing, the lake supports transportation and tourism, which are vital to local economic growth. It acts as a key route for the movement of people and goods, linking communities and promoting trade. 

Safety Concerns on the Lake 

However, the rise in vessel activity has brought about serious safety challenges. The report points to frequent incidents such as boat capsizing, collisions, and a lack of effective search and rescue systems, all of which underscore the need for better safety infrastructure. 

Navigating the lake is complex due to the wide range of vessel types and operating conditions, making it essential to thoroughly understand the current maritime environment in order to tackle these issues. 

One major problem highlighted is the absence of uniform safety standards. Many boat operators do not follow proper safety procedures, and numerous crew members lack formal training, increasing the likelihood of dangerous practices on the water. 

Additionally, many Beach Management Units (BMUs) are poorly equipped to manage emergencies, limiting their response capabilities. Communication infrastructure around the lake is also inadequate, hindering coordination during incidents. 

Environmental and Operational Challenges 

Further complicating maritime operations are changing weather conditions, pollution, and fluctuating water levels. These environmental factors increase the need for effective and resilient safety measures. 

A preliminary economic evaluation suggests that improving safety and efficiency on the lake could bring substantial financial gains. Reducing accidents would lower associated costs, promote sustainable fishing practices, and make the lake more appealing to tourists. 

Ultimately, the vessel census is seen as a critical step towards improving safety standards and communication systems on Lake Victoria.