EAC ministers approve Sh103.5m for Lake Basin Commission headquarters

Lake Victoria Basin Commission Executive Secretary Masinde Bwire at a past function. [File, Standard]

The East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers has approved additional $802,126 (Sh103.5 million) for the completion of the new Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) headquarters in Kisumu.

The EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva disclosed that the funding was approved by the 46th Ordinary Council that met in Arusha, Tanzania, in November 2024.

The total approved funds for the construction amount to $3.5 million (Sh4.6 billion). The second phase of construction began in August 2023 after the site was handed over to a new contractor for $2.56 million (Sh330 million).

Currently, the construction stands at 85 per cent, with an estimated 12 weeks remaining until its completion. The new headquarters is being built on a 2.8-acre land on the shores of Lake Victoria.

The LVBC Executive Secretary Masinde Bwire, reaffirmed the management's commitment to completing the project within the set timelines.

Earlier, Ms Nduva paid a courtesy call on Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o and Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa, where they held bilateral discussions on collaboration between the LVBC, the county and national governments for the implementation of projects and programmes in the region

The land was donated by the government in 2016. Once completed, the headquarters will house various offices for projects and programmes undertaken by the Commission.

During her two-day visit to Kisumu Ms Nduva inspected the project and commended the LVBC management for spearheading the construction and expressed satisfaction with the progress so far.

"I am pleased with the progress so far, and as a Community, we look forward to its timely completion and commissioning during the tenure of President William Ruto, the current Chairperson of the Summit," said Ms Nduva.

Governor Nyong’o pledged to support the commission initiatives within Kisumu county.