Developer raises stakes in Kisumu with floating beach apartments

A developer raised stakes in Kisumu's housing and tourism offers with Sh 539 million floating beach apartments on the shores of Lake Victoria.

The iconic structure to be built in the Usoma area off Nkrumah Road in Kogony sub-location will have 119 self-contained units and a restaurant.

The proposed floating beach apartments will overlook the Sh 3 billion rehabilitated Kisumu port upon completion.

The project, undertaken by Gad Works Projects Limited, will include a floating swimming pool in the lake and an aqua park.

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According to the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESIA report submitted to the National Environment Management Authority Nema, the proponent will work with the Kenya Fisheries Service and fishermen to prevent interference with fishing activities and migratory routes.

The project will increase revenue generation and employment creation, and expand the appeal of the surrounding area, said part of the ESIA study designed by Diaspora Design and Ltd.

The investor is working with Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation KLDC chaired by former Auditor-General Edward Ouko, who was established to revive the blue economy.

The report said that the project will provide a modern recreation area for tourists, other than the provision of housing, recreation facilities and enhanced economic growth.

The floating beach apartments are served by the National Cereals and Produce Board, the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Equators Bottlers and the Kenya Pipeline Corporation.

The site is currently covered with no structures and is mainly covered with vegetation consisting of grasses and a few tree species. The project aims to provide secure and modern housing facilities.

This comes after Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong o signed a Sh 1.4 billion memorandum of understanding with the Kenya Urban Roads Authority Kura to build a 46 kilometre promenade along Lake Victoria to improve accessibility in the lake.

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According to Kura, there is a plan to provide 14 kilometres of the main road, complete with links that will make the port city a better place to live, work and play.

Prof Nyongo said the promenade would include a back-filled walkway and cycling paths that will extend from Camp David Osori Paw Akuche to Dunga Beach. Other projects lined up include a marina at Dunga while the land is being sought for the construction of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers facing the lake.