TURKANA – Thousands of fishers in Turkana County are set to benefit from a series of government-led initiatives aimed at improving fisheries infrastructure, enhancing water transport safety, and expanding access to financial support for small-scale fishing communities.
The initiatives were announced during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lodwar on August 6, 2026, which brought together representatives from the County Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), and Beach Management Unit (BMU) networks.
Among the key projects unveiled is the construction of a modern fish landing site at Kalokol in Turkana County, alongside another facility at Loiyangalani in Marsabit County. According to Assistant Director of Fisheries at the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Kennedy Opiyo, the facilities are expected to reduce post-harvest fish losses, improve product quality, and strengthen market access for local fishers.
Assistant Director of Fisheries at the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Kennedy Opiyo, said the investment will significantly improve the fisheries value chain.
“The new fish landing sites will help reduce post-harvest losses, improve fish quality, and create better market opportunities for our fishing communities. We are also working to ensure small-scale fishers have access to affordable financing through the proposed Artisanal Fish Development Fund,” said Opiyo.
Kenya Maritime Authority representative Edwin Were announced that the authority will procure two ferries to improve water transport between Kalokol and Loiyangalani. The project will also include the construction of two ferry landing sites to enhance connectivity and ease the movement of people and goods across Lake Turkana.
To strengthen emergency response, KMA will establish a major rescue centre in Kalokol equipped with two high-speed rescue boats and a marine ambulance. The authority also plans to acquire aircraft and drones to enhance maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, and overall safety on Kenya’s inland waters.
Additionally, KMA will work with telecommunications companies to expand mobile network coverage in remote fishing areas where communication remains a challenge. The authority also plans to introduce a Marine Information System that will provide fishers with real-time weather forecasts and other essential safety information before and during fishing activities.
Turkana County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries, Dr. Michael Eregae, emphasized that cooperation among institutions will be key to transforming the sector.
“By strengthening coordination among all stakeholders, we will eliminate duplication, address existing gaps, and create a stronger and more sustainable fisheries sector that improves livelihoods across Turkana,” Dr. Eregae said.
To ensure continuous collaboration, stakeholders resolved to establish a permanent coordination forum that will meet quarterly. The forum will focus on addressing illegal fishing, overexploitation of fish stocks, fisheries research, marine safety, and sustainable management of Lake Turkana’s fisheries resources while promoting greater market opportunities for local fishing communities.
