By: Emily Mikwa
Kisumu County today celebrated World Fisheries Day , positioning the Blue Economy as Kenya’s “next great economic frontier.”
The event, held at Kichinjio Beach, embraced the theme: “Catalysing Sustainable Fisheries and Responsible Aquaculture Action for the People, Ocean, and Climate.”
The event brought on board the following key partners: Uvuvi SACCO, Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP), Aquaban, Tembea Kenya, Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA, BMU network, County Fisheries Officers, the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs is a key collaborator on the Kabonyo Kanyagwal project and The European Union (EU) is a major grant partner for key CIDP activities.
While representing Governor Nyong’o, Deputy Governor Dr. Matthew Owilli underscored the sector’s vital role, noting its elevation to the eighth priority under the national Economic Pillar.
The county is driving significant transformations, with the Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation completing two new landing jetties at Nanga and Kichinjio. Five new fiberglass artisanal boats and a patrol boat from the Kisumu Shipyard Limited have also been delivered to enhance safety and efficiency.
In a major investment, the IFAD-funded Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP) is set to procure 20 fish cages, each holding 30,000 fish. With support for fingerlings and feed, this initiative projects a remarkable gross income of Ksh. 75 million for farmers.
Furthermore, construction of the Kabonyo Kanyagwal Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Center by the National Government, is currently at 31% completion.
The celebration marked the launch of several high-impact deliverables, including the inauguration of 430 trained Beach Management Unit (BMU) leaders and the official launch of the Kisumu County UVUVI SACCO to financially empower fisherfolk. Also launched were the new BMU Bylaws and the Kisumu County Youth Empowerment on Fisheries and Blue Economy Programme (YEFEBEP).
Hon. Kenneth Onyango, CECM for Agriculture and Blue Economy, welcomed the new BMU leadership, urging them to combat the declining capture fisheries caused by illegal activities. He strongly encouraged fisherfolk to save through the SACCO, emphasizing it as the primary channel for government funding and support.
