State urged to relocate fish factory from Thika to Nyanza

The government has been asked to relocate fish processing factory from Thika to Nyanza to boost the fishing sector.

National Council of Churches of Kenya Nyanza regional chairman Bishop David Kodia said the relocation would allow fair play.

He said Nyanza region is well-known for fishing and should be hosting the factory to improve the livelihoods of thousands of residents as well as create jobs.

“We are urging President William Ruto to live up to his pledges to Kenyans and revive the fishing sector in the region,” Kodia said.

He spoke on Thursday during a two-day conference at the NCCK regional headquarters in Kisumu.

The conference brought together more than 72 delegates from NCCK in the six counties that make up Nyanza region.

Bishop Kodia called for equitable distribution of resources to all parts of Kenya.

The sector is estimated to employ more than 60,000 fishers directly, and an estimated 1.2 million people directly and indirectly.

The clerics said the fishing industry contributes approximately one per cent of the national GDP and about two per cent of the country’s national export earnings. 

The fisheries sector is a source of food security as it is estimated that Kenya’s marine fishery has the potential to produce between 150,000 metric tonnes and 300,000 metric tonnes of fish annually.

Kodia also asked the government to ensure the fishing industry receives government protection from exploitation by middlemen, Ugandan security forces and other unfair competition.

Kenyan fishermen have been facing rampant arrest in Lake Victoria. 

The bishop urged the government to expedite the upgrading of Kisumu International Airport to attract international flights.

“This will boost local and international tourism and revenue collection for the region,” Kodia said.

Edited by A.N