The government has set aside Sh1.4 billion for the construction of modern fish landing sites along the coastal strip.
Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Salim Mvurya said the sites will be constructed from Lamu to vanga seascape to improve conservation, aquaculture and livelihoods.
"The President has already authorised the disbursement of money to build improved fish landing sites in coastal counties," he said.
He said the projects have been tendered to contractors.
Mokoye, Mutangawanda and Kipini (Lamu), Ngomeni and Kilifi Central (Kilifi0 , Kidongo (Mombasa) and Mwaepe in Kwale are some of the areas set to benefit.
Mvurya said the projects will effectively support reviving of fisheries and blue economy sectors.
He said the landing sites will contain cold storage, ice production, cleaning and processing facilities to prevent post-harvest losses and improve value addition.
Currently, local fishermen are unable to grow for lack of proper storage equipment and are forced to sell their fish at throw-away prices.
He said cooler boxes, which are mostly used by the fishermen, have limits in terms of storage and preservation.
The fish landing sites will also be equipped with CCTVs, floodlights and security monitoring rooms to enhance security for a 24/7 economy.
The government wants to exploit the blue economy opportunities and transform fisheries as a key investment area.
This is in addition to empowering coastal fishermen and improving their living standards.
"Our President is determined to put in place the right infrastructure to ensure fishing is productive and the local fishermen gets a sustainable income," Mvurya said.
He said various capacity-building initiatives are underway to provide fishermen with the skills they need to produce enough fish and expand their market.
The government has also purchased 150 boats for the coastal counties' fishermen.
The boats that are yet to be distributed, will assist fisherfolks conduct deep fishing to improve catch.
Mvurya said the government wants to empower local fishermen to venture into the country's exclusive economic zone and fish beyond its territorial water.
He stated modern fishing vessels will prevent the overexploitation of shallow-water marine life while also utilising the abundant untapped resources in deep seawater.
The CS said many local fisherfolks are using traditional boats (canoes) which limits them from doing effective fishing.
Mvurya described canoes as dangerous, slow, small and tedious.
"We will soon distribute new boats to our local farmers to do proper fishing within and in the deep sea for more catch," he said.
The modern fishing boats will have nets, outboard motors, cooler boxes, flares, bond liners, GPS gadgets, life rafts, lifesaving rings and life jackets to enhance the safety of the fishermen while in the ocean.
