Kwale County Equips Small-Scale Fish Farmers

Key Highlights

• Kwale County distributes modern fish storage and processing equipment to small-scale farmers.
• Items include freezers, cooler boxes, solar-powered systems, cooking jikos, and display boxes.
• Initiative under the KEMFSED Project, funded by the World Bank.
• Over 50 modern fishing boats, ecotourism boats, and seaweed farming boats already distributed.
• Nine new fish landing sites built with cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses.
• County scaling up aquaculture with 70,000 fingerlings and 60 freshwater ponds.
• Governor Fatuma Achani says program aims at food security, job creation, and economic empowerment.

The Kwale County Government has stepped up efforts to transform the fisheries sector by distributing modern storage and processing equipment to small-scale fish farmers. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to reduce post-harvest losses, improve incomes, and strengthen the county’s blue economy.

The latest beneficiaries include the Diani Pastors’ Fellowship Self-Help Group in Ukunda, Msambweni Sub-County. They received equipment such as freezers, cooler boxes, solar-powered systems, frying pans, cooking jikos, lamps, and display boxes.

Governor Fatuma Achani said the support will enhance storage, maintain hygiene standards, and give fisherfolk better access to markets.

“This distribution marks an important step in empowering coastal communities and strengthening the local economy,” said Achani, urging beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment.

The support is provided under the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-economic Development (KEMFSED) Project, a Sh10 billion World Bank-funded program running from 2020–2025. The project, implemented by the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, targets Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu counties.

Through KEMFSED, Kwale has already distributed over 50 modern fishing boats, eight ecotourism boats, and six seaweed farming boats. Each boat is fully fitted with fishing gear, GPS systems, safety equipment, and fish finders to enable safe and efficient deep-sea expeditions.

The county has also built nine modern fish landing sites in Shimoni, Vanga, Gasi, Chale, and Tsunza, complete with cold storage to minimize wastage.

Governor Achani highlighted that the project is not only about equipment but also about expanding aquaculture. So far, 60 freshwater ponds have been set up and 70,000 Nile tilapia and catfish fingerlings distributed across Msambweni, Matuga, Lunga Lunga, and Kinango sub-counties.

“We want to diversify livelihoods, reduce pressure on marine resources, and promote environmentally friendly practices,” she said.

Local fisherfolk welcomed the initiative, noting it will transform their livelihoods.

“With proper storage and processing equipment, we can now sell our fish at better prices and reduce the wastage we used to experience,” said Danny Nganyi, Chairman of the Diani Pastors Association.

The county government believes that by providing the right tools, training, and market linkages, fish farming can become a profitable venture that secures food and nutrition security while creating jobs and strengthening coastal communities.