Dutch government to invest Sh1.5bn in Lake Turkana projects

The government of the Netherlands will invest Sh1.5 billion to unlock the potential of Lake Turkana.

Turkana Deputy Governor John Erus revealed that the county government will pump in Sh50 million towards strengthening fish infrastructure in the lake.

He acknowledged development partners' contribution to the fish value chain.

“The county government has prioritised livelihoods as an ingredient of transforming the lives of the Turkana people. We realised this through collaboration and mutual partnership," Erus said during the celebrations to mark the annual World Fisheries Day at Eliye in Kangatotha ward.

Erus also presided over the launch of the fish handling guidelines and four new Beach Management Units.

He said the BMUs and fish handling manual are critical in improving the fish infrastructure along the lake and ensuring fishing contributes positively to the welfare of the people who live around the lake.

The global day, which was celebrated in Turkana county for the first time, had the fisherfolk involved in a boat race as part of the celebrations.

County executive for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Anthony Apalia called for the strengthening of the partnership between the county government and partners to implement programmes in the sector.

He elaborated the department’s plans to give a socio-economic facelift to hundreds of people involved in fishing as their main source of livelihood.

County chief officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture Evans Lomodei thanked partners for their support towards the success of the World Fisheries Day.

This year’s theme was "Docking for dignity: The role of boats in advancing decent work in fisheries".

SAPCONE representative Philip Aemun, who spoke on behalf of development partners, said they were ready to team up with the county government to lobby for establishment of Lake Turkana Development Authority to unlock the potential of the lake through creation of jobs and expansion of businesses.