Kanamukuny, Todonyang 14th January, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The residents of Kanamukuny community have celebrated after receiving a donation of modern fishing gear from Turkana Pastoralist Development Organization (TUPADO) and DanChurch Aid (DCA) in partnership with the County Government of Turkana through the EU Funded SPREAD Project, a move they say, will transform their lives.
This is the first time Kanamukuny fishing community has breathed a sigh of relief as they hail the partnership, a move seen as a step in the right direction.
The donation included 32 fish rack tables, 12 wooden boats fitted with Mercury 15 HP engines, 60 fishing nets and life jackets.
The first batch of gear was distributed to Arii, Piringan, Kayedit, Arim, Kiponit and Arim fisherfolk groups.The remaining six groups are set to receive theirs by early February 2026.
“We are thrilled to finally have modern gear. We have been using rafters and dry fish in unhygienic surfaces, but this is a transition from the old to the modern fishing technology. Our catches were low and we faced dangers like crocodiles. And this donation is a big relief,” says Joyce Ekai, Chair of the Arim Fisherfolk group.
Emuria Ewoi, Chair of Kiponit group said, “there is a great working relationship between the county government and partners. Empowering women with knowledge is a big win for us in fishing sector. The fish value related-training by TUPADO and DCA last July 2025, was an eye-opener for women leaders like me.”
The training she added, has prepared them to use the gear effectively. Chair Ewoi said, they will use it to support their kid’s education, put food on the table, and tap into the lake’s commercial potential.
Egiallan Kapelo’s statement on Fisherfolk groups turned Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) emphasised that approach has helped the community save, access loans, and engage in microfinance activities.
Additionally, he advocated for fair support, saying the help should benefit all the beach management units along the shores of Lake Turkana.
Speaking during the handover, the County Chief Officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon Peter Eregae, promised support for groups that missed out, especially the new fisherfolk community in Lapur Ward. The ward’s latest inclusion is as a result of the Lake’s water backflow, boosting fishing activities in the area.
‘We value our long-standing partnership with TUPADO and DCA. We will keep working with them and other partners to drive progress in the fisheries sector. He noted, he recently distributed fishing gear to BMUs in Kalokol with Lattice Aquaculture, last December 2025.” said CCO.
His counterpart, Chief Officer for Partnership Coordination, Janerose Tioko adds, “This partnership aligns with the Governor’s Agenda on partnerships. We are committed to sustaining this collaboration.
She urged Fisherfolk groups at Kanamukuny to use the gear to fuel commercial fishing to sustain the economy and improve livelihood.
She echoed on the statement on women empowerment, saying it is a wake-up call for the community to rally behind women in fishing.
The Country Director for DCA Kenya, Karen Poore said they will keep supporting local needs, driven by community engagements.
“DCA supports communities to improve their livelihoods from agriculture, livestock and fishing, improving resilience towards climate change and enhancing food security.” Poore stated.
We will keep working, she noted, with the county government and stakeholders to ensure communities get the full benefits from these projects.
Sammy Ekal, Executive Director for TUPADO said the support follows a joint needs assessment with DCA last year. We are excited, he said, to have delivered on our promise timely.
“We are also fostering resilience and Peace, so Turkana and neighbours can fish together in a harmony, conflict free environment,” Ekal said.
