The government has completed the construction of two ultramodern fish landing sites at Lwanda Kotieno and Sori beaches at Sh280 million.
Work on the two projects-Lwanda Kotieno (Siaya) and Sori (Migori)-started in January.
Crops Development and Agricultural Research PS Francis Owino said each project cost Sh140 million.
Owino, who inspected the Lwanda Kotieno fish landing site at the weekend, said the two were some of the key projects they have been fast-tracking in the fishing sector.
He said they had six projects but due to rising water levels in Lake Victoria, the projects were abandoned.
“My belief is this is one of the key infrastructure in the fishing industry sector that will be a game changer in terms of harnessing the potential of the fishing industry in the region,” Owino said.
He said one of the major challenges fishermen have been facing is post-harvest losses. Fish is a perishable commodity and the lack of storage facilities has been a major hindrance in the development of the sector.
The landing sites have been equipped with fish storage and ice-making facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
“Now that the infrastructure is available, fishermen should not sell their fish at throwaway prices. They now have the advantage of keeping their fish until they identify the right market,” Owino said.
The PS said they are also looking for markets outside Kenya.
“One of them is the negotiation that Kenya had with DRC. It was not an easy one, but finally we have opened a fish market for our people in DRC”.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo said the livelihoods of hundreds of people around the lake will be restored and the health and life expectancy of people improved.
He said residents are happy with the two projects as the fishing community will be able to control the price of fish.
“Because of the extreme heat you have to sell the fish as soon as it is out of the water and most times the buyers dictate the price as they know you cannot keep it long”.
