Kalokol, August 11, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Kalokol is set to have a modern fish market within a year following the official handover of the project site to the contractor for the construction of a KSh183 million facility.
Located at the heart of the Lake Turkana fishing belt, the market is expected to cement Kalokol’s position as a regional fish supply hub serving East Africa and international markets.
The handover ceremony was jointly presided over by area MP Emathe Namuar and Turkana County Chief Officer for Trade, Pauline Tangarae. It was attended by officials from the National and County Governments, representing the Blue Economy, Fisheries, Trade and Enterprise Development, and Cooperatives sectors.
Chief Officer Tangarae urged residents to take ownership of the project, saying their support was critical to its success.
“While the County is working closely with the National Government and other partners to create such facilities, residents have a duty to ensure contractors deliver quality work,” she said.
Tangarae encouraged locals to form or join cooperatives aligned to the fishing sector to guarantee meaningful participation and long-term benefits.
“Your best chance to benefit from this facility is through cooperative membership. The County is ready to provide the necessary support,” she added.
The market will feature 500 stalls, cold storage rooms, fish landing and packaging areas, sanitation blocks, waste disposal sites, and breastfeeding spaces for mothers.
MP Namuar said the National Government had also identified Lowarengak as another site for a modern fish market, describing the Kalokol project as a major investment in unlocking Lake Turkana’s potential.
“This development will not only boost the fishing sector but also create opportunities in other industries, generating a ripple effect that will benefit the wider community,” he said
Speaking on behalf of Kalokol Fish cooperative society Leah Ewoi, expressed gratitude to the National Government.
“This market will not only improve fish trade but also create a space for selling fresh farm produce. We are grateful for this development,” she said
The event also featured remarks from representatives of State Departments of Housing and urban areas development,the Blue economy and Fisheries, and county department of Trade and cooperatives.
