Kisumu: Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o has called on the national government to zero-rate taxes on materials used to manufacture fibreglass boats to accelerate Kenya's transition to safer water vessels and unlock the full potential of the blue economy. Speaking at Kichinjio beach in Kisumu Central Sub-County during the commissioning of five fibreglass fishing boats, a modern patrol boat, and an upgraded landing site, Nyong'o described the initiative as a paradigm shift aimed at modernising the fishing industry and securing the livelihoods of thousands dependent on Lake Victoria.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nyong'o emphasized that zero-rating fibreglass materials would significantly reduce production costs, making it easier for fishermen to acquire these boats affordably. He highlighted that this policy change could prompt a nationwide shift from wooden canoes to safer and more productive vessels. Nyong'o stressed that traditional wooden canoes, which have been integral to the region's fishing industry, are now outdated and frequently involved in accidents on Lake Victoria.
Nyong'o pointed out that Lake Victoria claims an estimated 5,700 lives annually due to the dangers posed by the outdated wooden vessels. The new fibreglass boats, each with a 1,500-kilogramme load capacity and built by Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL), are designed for stability, durability, and economic empowerment, allowing fishermen to venture further into the lake and increase their catch and income.
Nyong'o also noted that the new patrol boat would aid in enforcing fishing regulations, curbing illegal practices, and responding to emergencies on the lake. He praised the partnership with Kenya Shipyards Limited as a model for public procurement, ensuring cost-effective delivery and utilizing world-class marine engineering. Nyong'o proposed the establishment of an Annual Blue Economy Conference to evaluate progress and encourage collaboration among government entities, local communities, and partners like KSL.
He urged fisher folk to plan for their own fibreglass boats, with the county government collaborating with banks and financial institutions to provide soft loans for boat acquisition. Nyong'o called upon financial institutions to create innovative tools for this transition and appealed to the national government to assist by zero-rating fibreglass boat materials.
KSL Managing Director Maj. Gen. Said Mohammed Farah emphasized that the launch marked a collaborative effort between the county government and KSL to promote economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and community development. He noted that the glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) boats and modern landing sites would transform working conditions, safety, and earnings for fishermen. Farah highlighted that the GRP boats offer longer durability, increased stability, and reduced maintenance compared to traditional wooden boats, allowing fishermen to focus on sustaining their communities and economy.
Farah added that the upgraded landing sites would improve fish handling, sorting, and storage, reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing hygiene, and unlocking better market prices for fishermen and traders. He stressed that investments in technology must be accompanied by investments in training, value chains, and environmental stewardship.