Fishermen in the coastal county of Kwale have received a major boost after the county government distributed 18 state-of-the-art fishing boats and other equipment in a bid to boost artisanal fisheries.

The modern high-tech fishing vessels made of fibre which has a higher level of endurance than wood were issued by governor Fatuma Achani at an elaborate ceremony held at the Shimoni fishing village in Lunga Lunga sub-county.

The governor who was accompanied by Lunga Lunga MP Mangale Chiforomodo presented the outboard motors which have an eight-crew and 1.5-ton capacity and other fishing equipment to 18 Beach Management Units (BMUs) active along the South Coast.

At the same event, the governor also issued certificates to 76 trained coxswains (persons who steer a boat) among them four women.

The coastal county boss has expressed hope that the new fishing equipment would increase the production of fish in the region.

She said the devolved unit will work with all the stakeholders in the maritime sector to uplift the lives of fishing communities and generate revenues for the county.

Before handing over the fiberglass boats to the beneficiaries Achani stressed that the initiative was part of her administration’s efforts to boost youth employment and food and nutrition security.

Governor Achani says with the modern boats and diving kits local fishermen would feel safer in stormy weather thus improving their daily catches.

– KNA