NGPU November 22, 2023

Nakuru County Marks World Fisheries Day with Commitment to Sustainable Practices

Written by Mercy Kihugu

Nakuru County celebrated World Fisheries Day at Karagita Public Beach in Naivasha Sub-county with a focus on the theme “Build enabling policy environments for small-scale artisanal fisheries.” The event highlighted the indispensable role of small-scale fishers in ensuring the sustainability of fisheries management.

Key initiatives during the celebration included the restocking of 150,000 fingerlings, the distribution of 392 life jackets to fishermen, and the provision of two fishing boats to the Karagita Boat Management Units. These efforts aimed not only to boost the fish population but also to enhance food security, promote economic growth, and support local communities, aligning with the President’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda.

Leonard Bor, the Executive in charge of Agriculture, emphasized the significance of the exercise in augmenting fish stocks, ensuring sustainability, and fostering food security and employment. He underscored the county’s commitment to collaboration with stakeholders to eradicate illegal fishing, calling for unity in safeguarding Lake Naivasha.

The county’s dedication to sustainable fisheries management is evident in regular reviews of existing legislative frameworks to identify and address any gaps promptly. This approach is crucial for the long-term management and conservation of the fishery resources in Lake Naivasha.

Lake Naivasha plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of over 800 fishermen directly and an additional 10,000 individuals indirectly involved in the fish value chain. The lake currently hosts six commercially important fish species. The county’s efforts not only extend to wild fisheries but also include supporting fish farmers managing ponds covering approximately 300,000 square meters.

“In our pursuit of sustainable fisheries, we are proud to report that our county is home to fish farmers managing ponds covering about 300,000 square meters with a harvest of 6 tons of fish in 2022, valued at Ksh. 1,441,000, a testament to their hard work and dedication,” highlighted the Agriculture Executive.

The event was attended by local leaders, including Hellsgate MCA Hon Virginia Lakeview, Biashara Director for Fisheries Raymond Mwangata, Naivasha Sub-county Administrator King’ori Mwangi, and various national and county officers. The collective efforts showcased Nakuru County’s commitment to responsible fisheries management and the well-being of its communities.