The new Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) headquarters has been officially inaugurated. The ceremony was presided over by Beatrice Askul, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for East African Community and Regional Affairs, on behalf of President William Ruto, the Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State Summit.
Askul said the new complex represents East Africa’s shared ambition for deeper integration and stronger regional growth. She described the building as more than an office, calling it a strategic investment in the millions who depend on Africa’s largest freshwater ecosystem.
“Today, as we inaugurate this magnificent building, we reaffirm our commitment to science-based management, environmental conservation, regional cooperation, and inclusive development,” she said.
She noted that in Kenya alone, more than 200,000 people directly benefit from Lake Victoria. Millions across the wider basin rely on the lake for fishing, farming, transport, energy, and tourism.
EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva praised Kenya for its continued support of regional institutions. She said the new headquarters strengthens the LVBC’s mandate.
“It is more than a workplace. It is a regional hub for innovation, research, policy coordination, climate resilience, environmental protection, and transboundary water management,” she said.
Nduva urged partner states to use the new facility to drive collaborative research and practical solutions. “The true legacy of this building will be measured by the ideas generated and partnerships forged to improve lives across the Basin,” she added.
LVBC Executive Secretary Dr Masinde Bwire said the ceremony marked the end of a 17-year journey that began when Kenya donated the 2.8-hectare site in 2008. He said the modern complex will boost the Commission’s work in research, coordination, and environmental protection. He also thanked development partners including the World Bank, GIZ, KfW, the EU, UNESCO, and the African Development Bank for their support.
Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, represented by Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili, said the new headquarters aligns with the county’s development priorities in fisheries, climate resilience, maritime transport, and the blue economy. He cited ongoing projects such as the use of modern fibreglass boats, expanded fish landing sites, and improved lake transport corridors.
EAC partner states fully funded the USD 3.54 million project. Construction began in 2020, with Kenya’s State Department for Public Works providing technical support.
