Communities living along the coastal shores of Kwale County—including Tsunza, Waa, Tiwi, Mwaepe, Msambweni, Mkwiro, and Vanga—have long depended on fishing as their main source of livelihood. However, challenges such as outdated fishing gear, limited skills, and the growing impact of climate change have led to dwindling catches and low incomes, threatening the sustainability of the sector.
That tide is now turning, thanks to a transformative intervention by the Kwale County Government through the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMSFED) project, funded by the World Bank.
As part of the initiative, the county has distributed 59 modern fishing boats, GPS devices, fish finders, and advanced fish value addition equipment to local fishermen. These tools have significantly boosted daily fish catches—from just 2 to 3 kilograms to over 1.5 tonnes.
Governor Fatuma Achani emphasized that the program is not only aimed at increasing fish production but also at empowering the local communities economically.
“This initiative is not just about increasing the quantity of fish caught. It’s about improving the livelihoods of our fishermen and their families. It’s a step toward long-term prosperity for the people of Kwale,” said Governor Achani.
In addition to providing modern gear, the project has seen the construction of nine fully equipped landing sites, complete with cold storage and modern processing equipment. These mini-ports, located in areas such as Shimoni, Vanga, Gasi, Chale, and Tsunza in Kinango Sub-County, are helping reduce post-harvest losses and improve profitability.
“These facilities allow our fishermen to store their catch for longer, reducing waste and increasing income,” said Roman Shera, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries.
The program has also focused on skills development. A total of 76 fishermen—including four women—have been trained as certified coxswains, equipping them with the expertise to engage in deep-sea fishing.
“The training sessions taught us better fishing techniques, and the quality of our catch has really improved,” said Halima Hamisi, one of the newly trained coxswains.
For local fishermen like Mohammed Mbogo from Tsunza, the transformation has been life-changing.
“Before, we relied on outdated equipment and barely caught enough to feed our families. Now, with these new boats and tools, we can fish in deeper waters and earn a better living. It feels like a new beginning for us,” he said.
The success of the KEMSFED project has injected new life into Kwale’s fishing industry, offering communities the tools, infrastructure, and training needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
With sustained support from the county government and development partners like the World Bank, the future of fishing in Kwale looks brighter than ever.