Kwale: The state department for Blue Economy and Fisheries is constructing a Sh252 million modern fish landing site in the coastal county of Kwale.
According to Kenya News Agency, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho launched the project funded through the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project at Mwaepe, Kinondo Ward, Msambweni Sub County. The Sh10 billion KEMFSED project is being implemented by the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries with support from the World Bank, and the project duration is 2020-2025.
The fishery infrastructure projects are being implemented in the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu to enable fisher folks to increase catches and improve livelihood activities in coastal communities. The blue economy sector encompasses fisheries, maritime biotechnology, aquaculture, tourism, and marine transport and logistics.
The CS, accompanied by Principal Secretaries Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy) and Elijah Mwangi (Mining), and Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, said the new landing site is aimed at ensuring safe launching and landing, especially for artisanal fishing and boats. Joho also commissioned the operation of a new rescue boat procured by the Kenya Maritime Authority to enhance the safety of the fishing community's ocean operations. He said the marine vessel is designed to operate both near the shore and in deeper waters and is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and technology systems.
These projects form part of the national government's effort to revamp the fishing industry for the benefit of fishing communities, added Joho. He emphasized that the development of the fishing landing site is aimed at improving artisanal fishing and creating a hygienic environment for the processing and handling of fish. Joho mentioned that his ministry will embark on the construction and rehabilitation of fish landing sites in the coastal region as part of efforts to revamp the fisheries subsector and improve the livelihoods of the coastal communities.
Joho stated that the fish landing project will mainly cover slope protection, fish gear mending sheds, ice-making plants, boat yards, restaurants, storm drains, and sanitation facilities. He asserted that the modern fish landing site will significantly transform the livelihoods of the fisher folks in Kwale, providing a platform for value chain activities that will generate additional income for them, and create job opportunities for the local communities.
The new fish landing site, he contends, will help maintain a hygienic environment for the processing and handling of fish while preventing and minimizing post-harvest losses for the local fisherfolk. Joho assured that the ministry will continue building, revamping, and rehabilitating fish landing sites along the coastline to accord the artisanal fishing industry a major facelift.
He advised women and the youth to take full advantage of value chains in the fishing sub-sector by engaging themselves productively in fishery activities. Joho also directed the relevant government agencies to collaborate in reclaiming public properties, including beach and fish landing sites, that have been encroached upon by private developers. He stated that his ministry has embarked on efforts to repossess fish landing sites in the hands of private investors.