Turkana County Government in collaboration with Netherlands government will be investing Sh 1.5 billion to unlock the potential of Lake Turkana, area Deputy Governor Dr John Erus has announced.
Speaking on Tuesday when he led celebrations to mark the annual World Fisheries Day at Eliye in Kangatotha Ward, Dr Erus said an additional Sh50 million had been allocated towards strengthening of the fisheries infrastructure.
“The County Government has prioritised livelihoods as an ingredient of transforming the lives of the Turkana people. We realised this through collaboration and mutual partnership,” the Deputy Governor said.
Dr Erus also presided over a launch of the Fish handling guidelines and inauguration of four new Beach Management Units (BMUs).
The BMUs and Fish handling manuals, the DG said, are critical in improving the fisheries infrastructure along the Lake and ensure fishing contributed positively to the welfare of the people who live along Lake Turkana.
The global event, which was celebrated in Turkana County for the first time, had the fisherfolks involved in boat racing as part of the celebrations.
County Executive for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries Dr. Anthony Apalia called for strengthening of partnership between the County Government and partners on implementation of programmes in the sector.
He elaborated the Department’s plans to give a socio-economic face-lift for hundreds of people involved in fishing as their source of livelihood.
The County Chief Officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Evans Lomodei, thanked partners for their sacrifice and support towards success of the Fisheries Day.
The Livestock Development Chief Officer Dr Ezekiel Etelej said the county was committed towards strengthening the sector.
MCAs from Turkana Central led by Kangatotha MCA Mathew Alany expressed support for County Government’s development vision for the fisherfolks.
SAPCONE representative Philip Aemun, who spoke on behalf of development partners, said they were ready to team up with the County Government to lobby for establishment of Lake Turkana Development Authority to unlock the potential of the Lake through creation of jobs and expansion of businesses.
This year’s theme was “Docking for dignity: the role of boats in advancing decent work in fisheries”.
By Peter Gitonga
