By: Emily Mikwa
The fish landing sites at Ogal Beach and Asat Beach in Kisumu County have been officially handed over to the contractors, marking the imminent start of a major infrastructural upgrade.
The handover ceremony allows the consultant to mobilize resources and kick-start projects aimed at commercializing fishing and enhancing livelihoods for the fisherfolk.
The projects are a component of the Aquaculture Business Development Program (ABDP), which is funded by the Government of Kenya and IFAD. Each of the two landing sites will receive an investment of Ksh 149 million, totaling Ksh 298 million.
According to Eng. Oduma John, the revamped landing bays will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a fish processing plant, cold rooms, a dedicated drying area for omena and ochonga, offices, hotels, an ablution block, security fencing, cameras, and floodlights.
The ceremony was presided over by County Commissioner Mr. Benson Leparmorijo, alongside the CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Blue Economy, Hon. Ken Onyango, and Mr. Samson Kidera, Regional Coordinator for the State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Nyanza and Western Region.
County Commissioner Leparmorijo conveyed gratitude to President Ruto for implementing the project, which he noted was on Kisumu County’s wish list. He urged locals to support the contractors and engineers to ensure timely completion.
He also issued a stern warning against lake pollution, which has already led to fish loss, and cautioned against the use of the lake for transporting illegal drugs. For safety and security on the water, he directed the community to coordinate with the Coastguards and thanked the County for providing speed boats.
Hon. Ken Onyango thanked the President for intervening to approve the project, which was not initially envisaged in the ABDP. He called upon fisherfolk to commercialize their catches and enhance fish production for potential export, while also cautioning against illegal fishing.
Representing CS Hassan Joho, Mr. Samson Kidera assured the community that they would be engaged in non-skilled labour and called for maximum cooperation to nurture the project and protect the environment.
Dr. Isaac Wamalwa, Deputy Program Coordinator, confirmed that their supervising team will ensure the work is completed to standard and within the stipulated time frame
