The Kwale County Government has launched an initiative to boost the local fisheries sector, distributing modern fishing nets, equipment, and accessories to empower local fisher folks and strengthen food and nutrition security.
The equipment package includes multifilament fishing nets, outboard-engine boats, GPS devices, life rafts, cooler boxes, and life jackets, all provided to small-scale fishermen to enable them to pursue more profitable deep-sea fishing ventures. Governor Fatuma Achani explained that these resources aim to enhance local fishermen’s capacity for sustainable, intensive fishing while providing essential safety equipment for disaster preparedness at sea.
“Our goal is to empower coastal communities with modern equipment that not only supports real fishing activities but also contributes to local livelihoods and food security,” Achani stated. The county is also expanding inland aquaculture farms, an approach aimed at boosting fish production, attracting investment, and creating jobs beyond the immediate coastal area.
Speaking in Waa/Ng’ombeni Ward, Governor Achani, joined by Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza, Kwale Woman Rep Fatuma Masito, and County Agriculture and Fisheries Executive Roman Shera, distributed the fishing equipment to local Beach Management Units (BMUs). Achani emphasized the importance of sustainable practices, urging fishermen to use eco-friendly equipment to protect marine ecosystems and support long-term livelihoods.
Achani highlighted Kwale’s access to the Indian Ocean, noting that it’s crucial for the county to capitalize on this resource responsibly. She urged fisher folks to avoid unsustainable practices that harm coral reefs and seabed ecosystems, stressing the importance of advancing technology in the fishing industry.
Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza praised the initiative, noting that many coastal residents rely on fishing as their primary income source and stand to benefit significantly from the new equipment. He added that the program aligns with broader goals of economic growth and sustainable marine resource management. Woman Rep Fatuma Masito encouraged fisher folks to use the new boats to enhance marine surveillance and combat illegal fishing, further contributing to resource protection.
Governor Achani underscored that addressing challenges like climate change and resource depletion requires sustainable practices to secure the future of Kwale’s fisheries and improve the standard of living for its residents.
