Kalokol – December 5, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government, in partnership with Lattice Aquaculture, has handed over fishing gear to Turkana Beach Management Units (BMUs) along the shores of lake Turkana.
The Chief Officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon Peter Ikaru and Mika Mitito, Project Manager for Lattice Aquaculture have on Friday handed over 160 dry racks, 80 fishing nets, 12 weigh scales and 147 knives to Kang’aki, Impreza, Ekoyo and Namakat BMUs.
Speaking in Kalokol, Hon Ikaru said, “the fishing gear we are handing over today to BMUs is a game-changer; it will boost catches and income, lifting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk.”
He praised the partnership with Lattice Aquaculture for their support, hinting at more initiatives to boost fishing and aquaculture in Turkana.
CCO acknowledged the concerns of other Units that didn’t benefit this time, assuring them of future support plans.
“The Ksh 2.5 million fishing gear project targets youth and women, offering opportunities to overcome historical marginalization often seen in program design,” said Mika Mitito, Program Manager, Lattice Aquaculture.
He added that Lattice Aquaculture, an aquaculture technical services firm operating in Africa, enhances fish farmer productivity, improves livelihoods through better incomes and promotes food security in Turkana.
Mitito further said that the project has 3.5 years left for implementation and is currently finalizing an memorandum of understanding with the county government to integrate the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture in all future activities.
The 300 beach members were grateful for the support, but they are struggling with the Lake Turkana’s rising waters that has displaced them and wiped out investments along the shores. They are hoping for solutions as soon as possible.
Fisheries Department Staff; John Bett (Chief Fisheries Officer), John Ekal, (Fisheries Clerk), Dismas Kamar (Kangatotha), Sarah Lotieng, Esther Lotedei and John Ekuwom (all in Kalokol station) were present.
Stephen Ekuwom (Chairperson, Impreza BMU) and Charles Nabwel (Turkana Body Chairperson, BMU Network) were also in attendance.
