The National Land Commission has partnered with the Ministry of Blue Economy to spearhead development of a comprehensive Marine Spatial Plan.
MSP seeks to unlock Lake Victoria’s blue economy potential.
Millions of people in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania rely on the lake for their livelihoods, exposing it to overexploitation and pollution.
NLC commissioner Reginald Okumu said the initiative, led by the Ministry of Blue Economy with the support of the Kenya Fisheries and Marine Authorities, is currently in its preparatory stages.
NLC is working on the plan’s inclusivity and effectiveness.
Speaking during the third Lake Region Economic Bloc, Natural Resources Forum in Kisumu, Okumu emphasised the importance of MSP as a tool for managing Lake Victoria’s vast natural resources.
“This plan will be a key resource for identifying and mapping the lake’s resources, providing clear guidelines for their sustainable use,” he said.
Once the plan is finalised, NLC will conduct surveys and document resources more accurately, ensuring they are properly registered and managed.
The Marine Spatial Plan is expected to guide the sustainable exploitation of Lake Victoria’s resources, including fisheries, transportation and tourism, while protecting the lake’s fragile ecosystems.
Okumu stressed the need for a comprehensive approach that involves all stakeholders, from local communities to government agencies, in a decision-making process.
“We want to make sure this plan is as inclusive as possible, so that it reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who depend on the lake for their livelihoods,” he said.
NLC’s role in the project includes mapping out the
lake’s resources, ensuring they are catalogued and working with local governments and communities.
