Kakuma, 8 July 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations) – A technical team comprising county and national government officials is meeting in Kakuma to review the draft Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy. The policy aims to harness the economic potential of Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake, which remains underutilised.
Chief Officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture Evans Lomodei commended the contributions of legal experts, fisheries professionals, development partners, and county assembly members in developing the comprehensive policy framework.
“This policy empowers fisherfolk communities by ensuring equitable resource access, strengthening regulations, and establishing fisheries as key drivers of food security and economic growth,” Lomodei stated. He emphasised the goal of increasing sustainable fish production through proper management of the lake, rivers, and other fishery waters.
Addressing frequent cross-border conflicts over water resources, Lomodei explained the policy establishes legal and institutional frameworks for coordination with law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance and conflict resolution.
County Solicitor Jane Ebenyo noted the policy would boost local revenue streams, confirming the legal team’s commitment to seeing the process through to completion.
Samal Etubon, Chairperson of the County Assembly’s Committee on Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries, described the policy as timely for enabling fisherfolk communities to benefit from the resource-rich lake. He pledged to mobilise fellow MCAs to support the policy and accompanying legislation when tabled.
Kennedy Opiyo from the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries welcomed the policy’s development, noting Turkana would join Lamu, Migori, Siaya and Kisumu as pioneer counties in operationalising such frameworks.
Willis Onyango of Kenya Fisheries Service highlighted the collaboration between government levels, underscoring fisheries’ strategic importance for Turkana’s livelihoods. Current annual fish production stands at 13,000 metric tonnes, with potential yields estimated at 30,000 metric tonnes.
The five-day review workshop, supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), will finalise the policy and legislative framework to optimise fisheries sector management, development, and research.
The review workshop brought together key stakeholders including MCAs Alany Mathew (Kangatotha Ward), Michael Apem (Kalokol Ward), Michael Ewoi (Lapur Ward), and David Ekod (Kerio Delta Ward).
Other officials included Deputy Director for Fisheries and Aquaculture John Bett, Senior Assistant Director for Fisheries, Robert Kibunja, State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries representative Kennedy Opiyo, Kenya Fisheries Service official Willis Onyango.
Technical officers participating were: Assistant Director for Administrative Services Mark Loupe, Legal Officers Joyce Ekai and Phoebe Eturote, Fisheries Officers Paul Kebo, Dominic Kiptoo and Simon Njeru.
WFP Programme Associate Angelica Kingoo represented development partners at the session.
