Siaya County Government is looking to unlock a Ksh4 billion market through new measures announced by Governor James Orengo.

Orengo says the county will train the fishermen for enhanced skills, advocate for safe fishing practices, and promote value addition to increase their income.

“Fish farming is one of the key components of our economic transformation agenda that we will continue to support in order to increase our income generation,” Orengo said when he officiated the World Fisheries Day 2023 Celebrations at Liunda Beach, Bondo Sub County.

Siaya sources of fish

Siaya County relies mainly on two lakes, namely Lake Victoria and Kanyaboli, for its natural fisheries resources.

According to the 2020 boat census, Siaya waters of Lake Victoria have 14,708 fishing crews (5,090 crafts) that go to the lake daily for fishing.

The county is estimated to produce about 30,000 metric tons of fish annually, earning the fishers over Ksh4 billion.

“Therefore it is evident that the fisheries resources of Siaya County underpin the livelihoods of many residents in terms of food and employment directly and indirectly through allied industries and support services,” Orengo said.

This comes days after Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya announced Siaya as the official Host of the National Celebrations of World Fisheries Day 2024

The CS also announced a further budgetary allocation of Ksh1.5 billion towards the development of the fish landing sites of Luanda Kotieno, Asembo Bay and Wich Lum.

During the World Fisheries Day 2023 celebrations, a number of activities were organized, including fish parades, boat parades, boat racing, and exhibitions.

Speaking during the event, Siaya County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock, and Blue Economy, K’Okoth Sylvestre cautioned the fishermen against fishing for juvenile fish and using unauthorised means.

“Fishing practices that destroy the fishing habitat, fishing for juvenile fish or using unauthorised means must be discouraged as a way of ensuring sustainability of this resource. It is also an opportunity to focus on other livelihood options as a safety net for the increasing demand for this nutritious food,” Sylvestre said.