Kakuma, 9 July 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
Turkana County Government will establish a Fisheries Development Trust Fund upon passage of the landmark Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2025, fundamentally transforming support for Lake Turkana’s fishing economy.
Chief Officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture Evans Lomodei announced during the final review session that the Fund would redress historical exclusion of fishing communities from financial programmes.
“Through revolving loans and subsidies, fisherfolk will access modern gear, adopt sustainable practices, and diversify livelihoods – directly boosting 7,000 fishermen and 20,000 traders across 40 Beach Management Units,” Lomodei stated.
The proposed Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Agency will oversee major projects including Kalokol’s fish processing plant, markets, and hatcheries, creating employment opportunities prioritising youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
County Assembly Agriculture Committee Chairperson Samal Etubon endorsed the initiative, stressing: “This strategic investment can combat Turkana’s 82.7% poverty rate.”
Member for Lapur Ward Michael Ewoi emphasised directing resources toward research and development.
Attendees at the review session included: County Assembly members Alany Mathew (Kangatotha Ward), Michael Apem (Kalokol Ward), Michael Ewoi (Lapur Ward), David Ekod (Kerio Delta Ward), and nominated member Esther Mana.
National government representation featured Deputy Director for Fisheries and Aquaculture John Bett, Senior Assistant Director for Fisheries Robert Kibunja, State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries delegate Kennedy Opiyo, and Kenya Fisheries Service official Willis Onyango. County officials participating were County Solicitor Jane Ebenyo, Director of Legal Services Ekai Nabenyo, legal officers Joyce Ekai and Phoebe Eturote, Assistant Director for Administrative Services Mark Loupe, alongside fisheries officers Paul Kebo, Dominic Kiptoo, and Moses Njeru. World Food Programme representative Angelica Kingoo completed the technical delegation. Turkana will become Kenya’s fourth county with such a fund following Lamu, Siaya, and Kisumu, marking a transformative step toward sustainable blue economy development.
