The Kenyan government has successfully secured Sh1.45 billion to construct fish landing sites at Lake Victoria. This initiative, funded by the International Food and Agriculture Development (IFAD) and channeled through the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP), aims to establish 10 fish landing sites across various counties including Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, and Busia. The locations for these sites include Ogal and Asat in Kisumu; Nyandhiwa, Nyakula, and Mainuga in Homa Bay; Got Kochola and Sori in Migori; Gumbe in Busia; and Wichlum and Asembo in Siaya.
Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs CS Salim Mvurya highlighted that a technical team is currently assessing these sites, working closely with county governments to ensure all requirements are met.
The completion of these sites is envisioned to provide aggregation centers for fishermen, offering ample cold storage facilities for their catch as they look for markets. Moreover, Mvurya emphasized the government’s intention to shift from traditional fishing methods to more investment-focused approaches, encouraging fishermen and farmers to delay selling their catch to obtain better prices. This project also plans to utilize byproducts from the fish for feeding light and small industries, aiming to spur economic growth at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, the government is forming cooperatives for beach management units to help fishermen sell their catch as one unit to fetch good prices and has allocated Sh400 million to support the establishment of fish cages in Lake Victoria to boost production.
Additionally, NTV Kenya reported that the completion of the first phase of this Sh1.4 billion fish landing project is set for December, as mentioned by CS Mvurya.
This significant investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to reviving the fisheries sector in Lake Victoria and other inland water bodies, enhancing the blue economy and ensuring sustainable fishery practices.
Advantages of Fish landing Sites
Establishing fish landing sites along Lake Victoria brings a multitude of benefits that significantly impact the local communities and the economy at large. Firstly, these sites serve as critical hubs for the fishing industry, enabling efficient collection, sorting, and distribution of fish, which enhances the livelihoods of those who depend on fishing as their primary source of income. The streamlined operations reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring more fish make it to the market in good condition, thereby increasing the income of fishermen and traders.
Secondly, the development of fish landing sites fosters the growth of local economies. As these sites become operational, they attract related businesses such as ice-making facilities, boat repair shops, and fish processing plants, creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activities in the surrounding areas.
Thirdly, fish landing sites contribute to the sustainable management of fish resources. With proper management practices in place, these sites help in monitoring fish stocks, which is crucial for preventing overfishing and ensuring the long-term viability of fish populations in Lake Victoria.
Additionally, fish landing sites play a vital role in enhancing food security. By providing a steady supply of fish, which is a key source of protein for many Kenyans, these sites help in improving nutritional outcomes among local communities.
Finally, the establishment of fish landing sites aids in the infrastructure development of remote areas. The need for better roads, storage facilities, and water supply at these sites encourages the government and private sector to invest in infrastructure improvements, which benefit not just the fishery sector but the entire community by providing better access to markets, clean water, and other essential services.
Kisumu City news
