Turkana on track, says governor Lomorukai in state of the county address
The governor outlined gains in health, water and food security.
9d agoBY MATHEWS NDANYIRift-valley
Turkana County officials, led by Chief Officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture Peter Ikaru handing over fishing gear to fishermen at Lake Turkana/HANDOUTTurkana County government has unveiled a plan to expand and
modernise fishing on Lake Turkana through support programmes to benefit over
1,000 fishermen.
The county has partnered with several groups, including Lattice Aquaculture, to equip fishermen, especially through joint groups formed by residents.
As part of the support, the county and Lattice Aquaculture handed over fishing gear to Turkana Beach Management Units (BMUs) along the lake's shores.
The county chief officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Peter Ikaru and Lattice Aquaculture project manager Mika Mitito gave support to the groups to ensure they engage in safe and modern fishing on the lake.
The fishing gear included over 160 dry racks, 80 fishing nets, 12 weigh scales, and 147 knives to Kang’aki, Impreza, Ekoyo and Namakat BMUs.
Speaking at Kalokol, Ikaru said the support would greatly boost fishing activities and income for the groups.
“The fishing gear we are handing over to BMUs is a game-changer; it will boost catches and income, lifting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk,” Ikaru said.
He praised the partnership with Lattice Aquaculture, saying their support was valuable in uplifting the livelihoods of the fishing community.
Ikaru hinted at more initiatives to boost fishing and aquaculture.
He acknowledged concerns from other units that didn’t benefit in the initial phase but assured them of support plans in the near future.
The Sh2.5 million fishing gear project targets youth and women, offering opportunities to overcome historical marginalisation.
Mitito said they would work closely with the county administration to ensure the support activities are sustained.
He added that Lattice Aquaculture which is an aquaculture technical services firm operating in Africa, would help to enhance fish farmer productivity, improve livelihoods through better incomes and promote food security in Turkana.
Mitito further said the project has 3.5 years left for implementation and is currently finalising a memorandum of understanding with the county government to integrate the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture in all future activities.
The initial 300 beach members who benefited expressed excitement with the support but cited several challenges which affect their activities on the lake.
Most of them noted they were struggling with the Lake Turkana’s rising waters that has displaced them and wiped out investments along the shores. They are hoping for solutions as soon as possible.
