Asembo Bay roars back to life as Lake Transport revived

Siaya Governor James Orengo, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Waterbus Company CEO Pritt Okoth and Head of Business Management, Ms Annie Ng'ang'a. [Courtesy]

From a favourable environment to a ready market and proximity to other centres such as Yala, Ukwala, Siaya and Sega, Kamito had everything any person would need.

For Okoth and Milando, the unending plans to restore the pier beach have remained a pipe dream.

But on Tuesday, there was joy and celebrations after the Asembo Bay pier was revived with the launch of a waterbus.

The event was attended by Siaya governor James Orengo, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Waterbus Company CEO Pritt Okoth and Head of Business Management, Ms Annie Ng'ang'a.

With the revival of the lake transport in the area, residents said it will not only ease transport but also boost trade between Siaya and Homa Bay counties.

The waterbus is set to link Asembo Bay-Kunya-Mainuga to Kendu Bay.

Speaking during the launch, Governor Orengo said the revival will open business opportunities to many through various avenues and also offer quick and affordable means of transport.

Orengo, who has promised to promote the blue economy, admitted that very little has been realized for a sector that not only employs thousands of people but also generates the highest revenue for the county.

He said that to make use of the resource, there needs to be an infrastructural framework like building piers that will allow bigger vessels to dock.

"We want to establish infrastructure that will make it possible for people to have ships. After this, we will get money to give to investors and establish a tax framework to guide the investors," said the governor.