Lowareng’ak February 9, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Women fisherfolk in the targeted six fishing groups in Lowareng’ak community have been economically empowered, following the donation of fishing gear by Turkana Pastoralist Development Organization (TUPADO) and Danish Church Aid (DCA) in partnership with the County Government of Turkana, through European Union funded SPREAD Project.
This strategic partnership with TUPADO, aims to enhance community resilience and food security as it aligns with the county’s transformative agenda on food security, and partnership and collaboration.
This follows a similar initiative in Kanamukuny, Todonyang, where six other fishing groups received gear, highlighting the partners and county’s commitment to supporting local fisheries sector.
The fishing gear; six wooden boats fitted with Mercury engine 15HP, 30 fishing nets and safety jackets, were handed over to Ngisen Akuj, Kapedor, Mule, Tonyoutu, Nakwabang’ang, and Kiponit groups.
Out of 300 members, more than 150 are women, reflecting a growing role of women in the fishing industry in Lowareng’ak and Todonyang, where they are taking on key responsibilities roles and driving fast economic growth.
Pamela Ngamor, a member of the Ngisen Akuj Group expressed satisfaction for the support, saying it would help alleviate financial burdens and improve livelihoods for the vulnerable members in the groups.
Unlike in the past, Ngamor said, the increased fishing capacity is expected to not only boost food security but also provide a steady income stream for the families involved.
The Chair of Nakwabang’ang Group, Duncan Ilete, who is also a representative of the People Living with Disability (PWD), expressed hope that the initiative would set an example for other organizations to support PWD inclusion in economic activities like fishing.
“Young men are drivers of economic development; engaging them can definitely drive sustainability and community development in fishing sector,” said Kataboi Daniel, Chair Lowareng’ak BMU.
Gideon Kiprono, Coast Guard in charge of Lake Turkana Marine Fisheries, said, they are procuring more safety jackets. Their proactive approach aims to minimize risks and ensure fishing remains a viable livelihood for the fishing community.
Speaking during the event, Ag. Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Robert Kibunja, said, “commercializing fishing along the lake, could also create new opportunities for youth employment and enhance the local economy. And scaling up fishing operations can make it more lucrative.”
Kibunja urged the fishing groups to take note of the proposed County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) jointly funded by national and county governments to market their fish products.
“CAIP in the fishing sector will provide critical infrastructure to transform raw, perishable catches into high value chain products, directly addressing challenges in local and small scale fishing industries,”
“The support we are giving today, I am sure, will break cycles of exploitation while providing economic independence, and elevating the women status from passive traders to active, independent producers in the fishing sector. By supplying, motorized boats, dry racks, fishing nets and safety jackets, these initiatives reduce reliance on male counterparts, allow for better value addition, and boost household income, explained Sammy Ekal, TUPADO’s Executive Director.
He added, the support will enable women to increase their daily earnings and improve their livelihoods. He hinted that, going forward, TUPADO will be working towards empowering women in their own fishing groups to economically empower them more and sustain their livelihood.
“By establishing women-led groups and providing training in financial management and business, these programs increase women’s representation in Beach Management Units (BMUs) and other decision-making bodies in the community,” Ekal asserted.
Simon Echom, the SPREAD Project Coordinator said, the fishing equipment distributed, will directly benefit 300 members, while 1800 fisherfolk benefit indirectly.
Edward Wanyama (Turkana North Sub-county Fisheries Officer), Jeremiah Ewoi (Fisheries Officer, Lowareng’ak), Festus Lokwawi (Project Officer, TUPADO), and Samwel Engor (Procurement Officer, TUPADO) were present during the event.
Others were, Francis Nalukowoi (Senior Chief, Lowareng’ak), Mustafa Kebo (Chief, Todonyang) and Alex Lokinei (Assistant Chief, Lowareng’ak).
