Plans are underway to revive a fish processing factory in Homa Bay for Sh400 million to improve fisherfolk's livelihood on Lake Victoria.
The county boasts that more than 60 per cent of its territory are lake waters, making it the chief producer of fish from in counties bordering the lake.
Fishermen and fish traders have raised concerns over losses due to lack of a fish processing industry after the one owned by Israeli Capital Fish collapsed in 2011.
Since then, fishermen have been selling their catch at throwaway prices due lack of industry.
The State is planning to reestablish a fish processing industry in Homa Bay town before year's end, Kenya Fish Marketing Authority (KFMA) chairman Martin Ogindo said.
Speaking on Sunday at Nyatoto secondary School in Suba South constituency, Ogindo said the project is in line with pledges the Kenya Kwanza administration gave residents of Homa Bay.
“The President William Ruto said his government will set aside Sh400 million to revive a fish processing industry in Homa Bay. We’re doing a follow up to ensure the project is done within the year,” Ogindo said.
He said the project will help alleviate unemployment affecting many residents and the industry will employ people both directly and indirectly.
Homa Bay has more than 137 active and operating beaches where fish are caught.
“Homa Bay economic growth depends on fishing, hence, we must support what will improve residents’ livelihoods,” he said.
The Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency chairman Odoyo Owidi told political leaders and residents to support the government
He said the community has lagged behind in development for a long time and any government development project should be welcomed
“Let our community support the project. It is through working with the government that our people can achieve the desired projects,” Owidi said.
He told residents to ignore politicians trying to incite them against the government.
Fisherman Dauphine Ogweno said a fish processing industry will generate value addition for their fish, improving their income.
“Most fishermen hurriedly sell raw fish at throw away prices because they fear a loss after fish goes bad. We welcome the government agenda to reestablish an industry that will add value to our fish,” Ogweno said.
(Edited by V. Graham)