Kwale County is leveraging the potential of the blue economy to transform the livelihoods of its coastal communities, particularly those reliant on fisheries and aquaculture. In collaboration with the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project, the county is enhancing the fishing industry to support sustainable livelihoods and boost the local economy.
KEMFSED, which runs from 2020 to 2025, is a joint initiative under the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, supported by the World Bank with a Sh10 billion investment. This project is rolled out across the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu. Its primary objective is to improve the infrastructure of the fisheries sector, increase fish catch volumes, and uplift the livelihoods of local fishermen.
The blue economy covers a broad spectrum of sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, tourism, and maritime transport. In Kwale, the focus is on building a resilient aquatic food system, which can withstand the challenges posed by climate change. Governor Fatuma Achani emphasized that the project’s goal goes beyond just increasing the quantity of fish caught; it aims to ensure long-term prosperity for fishing communities by improving their overall standard of living.
To achieve this, the county government has concentrated efforts on upgrading the fisheries sector’s infrastructure, which has historically been hindered by systemic challenges such as outdated equipment and lack of technical expertise. A significant development in the initiative has been the skills training programs, which have empowered local fishermen to operate more advanced fishing vessels. So far, 76 local fishermen, including four women, have been trained and certified as coxswains, skilled to operate vessels and carry out deep-sea expeditions.
Another vital aspect of the transformation has been the distribution of modern fishing boats. The county has provided 60 new vessels, each equipped with outboard motors, GPS devices, fish finders, and other high-tech tools. Fishermen have also received improved gear such as multifilament fishing nets, cooler boxes, and safety equipment, including life rafts and jacket floats. These upgrades are helping transition fishing from a subsistence activity to a more profitable business.
The use of modern fishing boats has enabled local fishermen to reach Kenya’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a 200-nautical-mile offshore area that is rich in marine resources. In the past, local boats lacked the capacity to reach and operate effectively in this zone, limiting access to a vital resource. The project’s focus on providing better equipment and skills training is opening new opportunities for fishermen to increase their catch and income.
In addition to the new vessels, KEMFSED has funded the construction of nine fish landing sites across the county, including in Shimoni, Vanga, Gasi, Chale, and Tsunza. These landing sites are equipped with cold storage and handling facilities, which are crucial for reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring fish remain fresh for longer. This infrastructure is also helping local fishermen improve the quality of their fish, which can now be sold at higher prices in both local and regional markets.
The availability of cold storage has made a significant impact on the storage capacity of local fisheries, which has enabled fishermen to supply fresh fish, thus commanding better prices compared to dried fish. By improving storage, vessels, and processing facilities, the project is boosting the efficiency and profitability of the local fisheries sector, supporting not only the fishermen but also the wider coastal economy.
The program is also having a significant impact on local fishermen, providing them with the tools and knowledge to adapt to a modernized industry. Many fishermen, including women like Halima Hamisi, who have been trained as coxswains, are reporting better catches and improved livelihoods as a result of these new opportunities. The initiative has breathed new life into coastal communities, equipping them with the resources necessary to thrive in an evolving industry.
For fishermen like Mohammed Mbogo from Tsunza, the transformation has been profound. The new equipment and boats have allowed him to venture into deeper waters and catch more fish, dramatically improving his ability to support his family. With the new investments in storage and processing, the future looks much brighter for the fishing community of Kwale.
