The Kisumu Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) is on track to become a game-changer for safety on Lake Victoria, offering renewed hope for the fishing and transport communities who rely heavily on the lake’s waters.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, announced during a recent inspection that the facility—currently 17% complete—will drastically reduce the lake’s high annual casualty rate of 300 to 400 lives lost due to maritime accidents.

“This project will not only save lives in the future, but it is already making a difference today by creating jobs for local youth and boosting local supply chains,” Owalo stated, emphasizing the MRCC’s alignment with the Government of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Spearheaded by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), the MRCC is designed to serve as a central hub for maritime emergency coordination. By deploying cutting-edge communication systems such as GSM-enabled distress signal detection, the center will facilitate rapid response times in case of boat collisions, capsizes, or medical emergencies.

Historically, rescue efforts on the lake have been uncoordinated, often left to community-run Beach Management Units. Owalo noted that such rescues have frequently arrived too late, costing lives and property. The MRCC aims to replace this reactive model with a proactive, professional rescue operation that will drastically improve survival rates.

Beyond Kisumu, the MRCC will also provide emergency coordination services to the neighboring counties of Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori—offering a critical safety net for thousands whose livelihoods are tied to Lake Victoria.

Once operational, the Kisumu MRCC will not only serve as a vital life-saving facility but also stand as a symbol of progress in Kenya’s commitment to maritime safety, economic empowerment, and regional resilience.