In a bid to boost the Blue Economy in Kilifi County, six Beach Management Units (BMUs) have benefited from assorted equipment aimed at strengthening fisheries-related enterprises and improving the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
The beneficiary BMUs drawn from the Mayungu, Watamu, Mida, Uyombo, Roka and Wesa areas received equipment including deep freezers, cooler boxes, chairs, display boxes and beehives from Coast-based Non-Governmental Organisations COMRADE and COBEC.
Fishing communities, including fishmongers organised into groups, submitted proposals to the NGO and successfully qualified for the support.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Mayungu fish landing site in Malindi Sub-County, Kilifi County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock and Blue Economy Chula Mwagona outlined the distribution of the equipment among the beneficiary groups.
“Mauwa Group from Mayungu received five deep freezers, 15 cooler boxes, 40 chairs and 15 display boxes, while Makini Group also received similar equipment,” said Mwagona.
He added that Amani Fishing Group received two freezers, 15 cooler boxes, 40 chairs and 10 display boxes.
Mwagona further noted that the Arabuko Community Forest Association (CFA) from Mida Creek benefited from 30 beehives and assorted beekeeping equipment.
“Uyombo Group received 20 beehives together with harvesting equipment to support alternative livelihoods and enhance income generation,” he said.
The CECM said the initiative demonstrated the impact of partnerships between the county government and NGOs in promoting sustainable livelihoods.
“This project is a success story achieved through collaboration between the Kilifi County Government and development partners to support communities with alternative sources of income,” said Mwagona.
Titus Jefwa of Coastal Marine and Resource Development (COMRADE), who oversaw the handover, said the SECURE Project was a three-year initiative targeting six BMUs.
“The project supports Beach Management Units to improve sustainable management of ocean resources while strengthening their capacity to grow businesses within the fisheries sector,” said Jefwa.
He added that the project also supported conservation initiatives, including mangrove protection, through the promotion of beekeeping.
Malindi Marine National Park Warden Ntindi Kassim of the Kenya Wildlife Service welcomed the initiative, saying it would help reduce pressure on over-reliance on marine resources.
“Such interventions are important in improving community livelihoods while promoting conservation of marine ecosystems,” said Kassim.
Mayungu BMU Vice-Chairman Ahmed Omar expressed gratitude for the support, noting it would enhance business operations.
“We are happy with the support from the SECURE Project because it will help us grow our businesses and improve our living standards,” said Omar.
Fishmonger Bahati Fredrick also thanked the organisations for the donation, saying the equipment would significantly boost fish business in the area.
By Stephen Mrira
