The Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) has declared itself a key engine of economic growth, following a strong performance in 2025 that saw gains in revenue, agriculture and institutional ventures.
Managing Director Wycliffe Ochiaga said the authority’s improved outlook was anchored on aligning its programmes with the national Bottom‑Up Economic Transformation Agenda, a move that has boosted farmer incomes, strengthened food security and reduced reliance on the Exchequer. Speaking during the end-of-year review meeting in Kisumu, he described 2025 as a turning point, with the authority shifting focus to commercially viable projects while deepening sustainability and governance reforms.
Ochiaga noted that deliberate investments in value chains have generated income, supported farmers and built long‑term resilience. “The results we are seeing in revenue growth and productivity affirm that direction,” he said.
LBDA’s commercial ventures recorded notable improvements, particularly in real estate, aquaculture and livestock. Occupancy at the LBDA mall rose to 45 percent from 30 percent after the operationalisation of a dedicated real estate unit. In aquaculture, the Kibos Centre produced more than 15 million fish fingerlings and trained over 600 farmers, strengthening local food systems while opening new revenue streams.
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Agriculture remained a central pillar of growth, with LBDA procuring about 5,000 tonnes of rice from farmers at Sh60 per kilogram under a mopping‑up programme. The initiative injected liquidity into rural economies and helped stabilise farmer incomes. Rehabilitation works at the Kimira‑Oluch Irrigation Scheme also progressed, with 8,000 acres earmarked for production once completed.
Beyond commercial activity, Ochiaga said the authority invested heavily in institutional strengthening. A total of 29 staff underwent local training, two officers received international exposure, and 182 students were accommodated on industrial attachment programmes. Staff welfare, mental health and compliance were prioritised as part of governance reforms.
Environmental sustainability and climate resilience featured prominently, with the propagation of more than 380,000 seedlings, flood mitigation works in the Nyando basin, and the drilling and equipping of 14 boreholes to improve access to clean water.
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Looking ahead, Ochiaga said LBDA plans to complete the Kimira‑Oluch project, roll out the South West Kano irrigation scheme in Kisumu County, and scale up poultry and horticulture value chains to create jobs for farmers and youth. He acknowledged challenges such as climate variability and ageing infrastructure but said lessons from 2025 would guide stronger execution in the coming year.
With disciplined implementation and partnerships, Ochiaga expressed confidence that the authority will deliver greater impact for communities in the lake region while steadily moving towards financial self‑reliance.
By Fredrick Odiero
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