Fishermen within Achich Beach in Homa Bay County have received a major boost after receiving an assortment of vital fishing gear from the national government through the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
The distributed gear which included reflector jackets and fishing nets are expected to enhance the fishing capacity, increase productivity, and provide long-term economic support for the local fishermen who depend on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods.
The Cabinet Secretary Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho who led the distribution exercise emphasized government’s commitment to improving the lives of local communities through targeted development initiatives.
“As a government, we must be intentional about the steps we take to uplift the people of Homa Bay and bring them to the same level playing field as other counties,” said Joho during the event.
Joho who was speaking in Achich beach in Homa Bay where he opened newly constructed Achich Beach Management Units offices pledged government’s support for the local fishermen, and informed that Sh. 300 million has been set aside for procuring rescue boats, with the Kenya Shipyard having been awarded the contract to deliver the vessels.
The CS was accompanied by his PS Betsy Njagi and the County Governor Gladys Wanga together with other county and national governments officials.
Further, Joho urged law enforcement officers, especially the Kenya Coast Guard to refrain from arresting fishermen caught using illegal nets, and instead called for a collaborative approach, recommending that such cases be referred to his department, which will instead work to provide the appropriate gear to the affected fishermen.
“We are here to support our people. It does not make sense to criminalize them when we can provide the right tools. Let us know, and we will step in with the right equipment,” he said.
Joho underscored the importance of fishing to the local community, describing it as the primary source of income for many families in the region.
“Fishing pays school fees and feeds families. It is not just a job but a way of life for our people and so it is our responsibility to create a supportive and peaceful environment for them to carry out their fishing activities,” he added.
The CS said that plans are underway to erect nine landing sites in the region alongside the distribution of fish cages, fingerlings and feeds to the fisher folk in a move geared towards promoting aquaculture in the region.
Governor Gladys Wanga thanked the National Government for the equipment and commended Joho’s efforts in addressing the challenges facing the fishing community.
She anticipated meaningful development talks with President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga as the county prepares to host the much-awaited Madaraka Day celebrations.
By Sitna Omar
