The government has started implementing Sh10 billion blue economy projects in the five coastal counties to boost earnings from the sector.
Mining and Blue Economy CS Salim Mvurya said the projects funded by the World Bank have many components including alternative livelihoods for fishermen whereby groups are recognised and given funds to do projects away from fisheries.
The funds, he said, were given in the form of grants under the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development Project (KEMFSED).
Groups in Kilifi got Sh98 million moments after the CS issued another cheque of Sh33 million for Tana River county in Kipini.
"I urge the fishermen and all those who will get the funding to utilise the money for the intended purpose,” he said.
Mvurya said another Sh2.9 billion will soon be given to the region and advised groups in the five counties on the Coast to apply for the grants.
The CS also said the 445 beach management units in the country will be transformed into cooperative societies to enable fishermen to access financial support.
“We have a number of BMUs in lakes Victoria, Turkana, Naivasha, Elementaita and Baringo so we have covered all these in the marine sector,” he said.
Mvurya said in Mt Kenya region, there is another Sh14.9 billion fish farming project funded by IFAD.
He said only eight per cent of the marine sector's potential has been tapped but they intend to work with the private sector on deep sea fishing so more fishermen can access the exclusive economic zone.
Deputy Governor Flora Chibule said KEMFSED will boost the sector and upscale fishing activities.
She said 32 wards in Kilifi are benefitting from the project.
Fishmonger Rukia Pambajuka at Kilifi landing site said they had challenges in getting fish, but together with other women they formed a group so they could get financial support.
She said they got a fishing boat, but the grant has helped them acquire a fishing vessel for deep sea fishing.
“We also got deep freezers to store our fish to prevent post-harvest losses. Previously, we would buy fish and they would go bad for lack of storage facilities,” Pambajuka said.
