Lodwar, May 29, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
A regional organization with presence in East Africa is seeking to partner with the County Government in a five-year initiative aimed at revitalizing trade in fish industry through inclusive commercial and value chain development.
Kilimo Trust, an agricultural and agribusiness development NGO with operations across Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya, has expressed interest in collaborating with Turkana County to support women and youth in fisheries-based enterprise.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting with county officials led by the County Executive (CEC) for Trade, Gender, Youth Affairs and Tourism, Roseline Aite, Kilimo Trust Team Lead Emily Njoroge proposed Kerio Delta, Lakezone, Kangatotha and Kalokol wards as possible sites.
According to organisation, preliminary assessments showed that the proposed sites were Lake Turkana’s busiest fishing hubs.
CECM Aite welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligned with the county’s vision of enabling private-sector-led development and empowering historically marginalized groups.
“This partnership speaks directly to Governor Lomorukai’s agenda on strategic partnerships that delivers, enterprise development and inclusive wealth creation,” she said.
Njoroge said that the intervention would will support job creation, wealth accumulation, and overall improvement of livelihoods.
“We are particularly focused on supporting women and youth with capacity building, start-up capital, fish handling tools, cold chain infrastructure, and business expansion funding,” she said.
Deputy Director for Gender, Mollen Onderi, emphasized that any fisheries value chain intervention must ensure women’s full participation at every level regardless of age.
“From fish harvesting to processing and marketing, women must be involved not as beneficiaries alone but as decision-makers and enterprise leaders,” said Onderi.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director for Youth Affairs, Linus Ekidor, urged Kilimo Trust to incorporate training in rare and emerging blue economy skills, while also safeguarding youth through proper work safety protocols.
“Our youth need to be equipped not only with skills but with the safety tools and modern knowledge to thrive in blue economy ventures,” Ekidor said.
Turkana’s fisheries sector remains a largely untapped resource despite its vast potential. With Lake Turkana as the world’s largest desert lake and a critical lifeline for thousands of pastoralist-fisher communities.
Kilimo Trust’s planned investment could prove timely, especially with the county actively seeking partnerships to modernize its blue economy and create youth employment.
Present during the meeting included; David Ojiambo and John Nagendra (Kilimo Trust Kampala) and David Namwaya (State Development for Blue Economy and Fisheries).
