The Senate Committee on Transport, Roads and Housing has raised concern over the poor state of infrastructure in Mfangano Island, warning that the neglect is slowing down economic growth and cutting off residents from the mainland.
Led by the senator of Migori County, Eddy Oketch, who chairs the committee, the senators toured the island today to follow up on a 2022 petition by the Mfangano Development Forum seeking the extension of the Homa Bay–Mbita road to Mfangano Island and an establishment of a ferry service in the island.
The petitioners want the government to introduce a dedicated ferry operating regularly between Mbita and Mfangano to ease movement and boost trade between the island and the mainland.
Speaking during the visit, the committee chair reiterated the team was on the island to assess progress made since the petition was tabled.
“We are here to assess progress on the petition and explore practical solutions to improve connectivity for residents of Mfangano,” Oketch said. “A regular ferry service would allow island residents to access the mainland easily and conduct business just like those in Likoni, Mombasa.”
He added that while a government-funded ferry would offer affordable services, the petitioner had requested that the senator should consider a public-private partnership (PPP) model to fast-track the project.
“If the ferry is provided by the government, it will be cheaper, or even free, as seen in other regions,” he said.
The senator revealed that the government has already invested Sh800 million in a Lake Victoria ferry project intended to operate from Kisumu through Mbita to Muhuru Bay in Migori County. However, he said the initiative does not guarantee daily transport services for Mfangano residents.
“The people of Mfangano need a regular ferry service to the mainland, not a passing vessel that fails to meet daily transport needs,” he said.
The committee also raised concern over the poor state of the 54-kilometre road encircling Mfangano Island, describing it as barely motorable and only usable by motorcycles.
“The road is in a deplorable condition and not suitable for business operations. We intend to push for its upgrading and tarmacking,” the senator noted.
In addition to transport, the committee identified the absence of a modern market as another major concern.
Mfangano, along with Remba and Ringiti islands, is one of the largest fishing hub in the region, yet it lacks proper trading infrastructure.
The senators said a fully equipped market would help improve the island’s fishing economy. “There is need for a proper market facility and not just a temporary structure so that the fishing industry here can grow,” the senator added.
The chair said the island’s poor transport network and lack of market facilities continue to undermine trade despite its central role in the region’s fishing industry.
“Mfangano contributes significantly to fish production in Lake Victoria, but its development has lagged behind due to poor connectivity,” Oketch noted.
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua, who is also a member of the committee, described the issues raised by the residents as urgent and pledged the Senate’s commitment to pursuing solutions.
“The issues on Mfangano Island are critical. We will push for what needs to be done,” he said.
By Sitna Omar
