Lodwar – March 3, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries James Wangiros had convened a meeting to address key challenges in the fisheries sector and explore opportunities for growth.

CEC Wangiros emphasized the county’s commitment to revitalizing the Kalokol Cooperative, recognizing its potential to boost the local fishing industry.

“There are plans to revitalize the Kalokol Cooperative as a flagship project that will enhance the economic livelihoods of our local fishermen,” he stated.

The meeting also highlighted the need to fast-track the fisheries policy and bill that aims to strengthen community stewardship of fishery resources. The policy and bill will also promote sustainable aquaculture development for subsistence and commercial purposes.

Additionally, CEC Wangiros called for strict enforcement of the gazetted notice on boat licensing as a means of generating more revenue from the sector.

Key discussions included strategies to increase the utilization of fish markets by the Kalokol community, Road map on implementation of 1.5 billion Lake Turkana project in consultation with World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Stakeholders drawn from KVDA, Sapcone, Migingo, Adili, Loropio value villages, TUPADO and Caritas also discussed the strengthening of the Kalokol station office to address productivity challenges.

Other critical topics included the implementation status of the Mastercard Foundation program, with inputs from Phillip Mwaniki of WFP, and the importance of joint planning with WFP to enhance food security.

Several key commitments emerged from the meeting, with the county government pledging continued engagement with stakeholders.

The meeting underscored the vital role of partnerships in improving livelihoods and ensuring the long-term growth of the fisheries sector.