The LIFT Project

The $50 million LIFT Project is a transformative public-private-partnership (PPP) initiative that will redefine the economic future of the Lake Victoria region. The Project seeks to unlock the full potential of the region’s $5 billion blue economy by tackling the systemic barriers that have long stifled its growth.

Through a coordinated approach, the project will implement strategic public and private sector interventions to promote sustainable, eco-friendly aquaculture practices that support both industry growth and environmental conservation. As currently conceived, the interventions will include:

• Establishing fisheries cooperatives to enhance collective bargaining, improve market access, and strengthen industry collaboration.

• Modernizing production systems by integrating advanced aquaculture techniques, improving infrastructure, and adopting innovative fish farming technologies.

• Strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable fisheries management, enhance compliance, and streamline policy implementation.

• Improving access to finance for fish farmers and SMEs in the fisheries value chain, enabling business growth and expansion.

• Reducing production costs through improved efficiency, bulk purchasing of inputs, and optimized supply chain management.

• Enhancing local knowledge & skills by providing targeted training, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs.

A PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP

As a PPP initiative, the LIFT Project will be overseen by a Multi-Stakeholder Governing Board, comprising representatives from LVA, national and county governments, the private sector, development partners, and other key stakeholders.

This Board will provide strategic direction to an Independent Project Management Unit (PMU), which will be responsible for day-to-day coordination, financial management, and implementation oversight.

County-Level Implementation Units will be established to facilitate localized coordination and engagement with fish farmers, cooperatives, and regulatory agencies.

In addition, a dedicated Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Audit Unit will track progress, assess impact, and ensure financial accountability

BASELINE STUDY

To lay a strong foundation for the LIFT Project, the LVA Association is partnering with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) to conduct a comprehensive baseline study that will provide a clear understanding of the current state of fisheries and aquaculture in Kenya’s Lake Victoria region.

This study will generate critical, data-driven insights that will shape the strategic design and phased implementation of the project. It will assess key industry players, production systems, market dynamics, financing gaps, and environmental sustainability challenges, ensuring that interventions are both practical and impactful.