Lodwar:Turkana County is losing millions in revenue because Lake Turkana is not being fully exploited, according to Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Erus addressed this issue at a stakeholders’ forum in Lodwar, which was supported by the World Food Programme (WFP). He emphasized that sustainable, locally led solutions need to be prioritized to unlock the lake’s potential. Current interventions, he noted, fail to empower key enablers such as Beach Management Units (BMUs) and the education of locals through fish value chain courses at Kalokol and Kataboi vocational training centers. Additionally, there is a need to ensure proper registration of fishing vessels.
Dr. Erus highlighted that the lake’s underutilization stems not from a lack of fish but from insufficient empowerment and infrastructure. He pointed out that despite studies confirming the lake’s potential, the absence of fully coordinated efforts to build local capacity and infrastructure diminishes possible economic gains. Planned interventions, including the development of fish markets and a transport system linking Lake Turkana with Marsabit, depend on fishermen being prepared to capitalize on these advancements.
The forum also featured WFP representative Claudia Ah Poe, who stated that the agency’s support aimed to provide a platform for coordinated action among partners. She expressed optimism that the lake region, coupled with arable land areas, could bolster food security in Turkana, offering practical solutions for women and youth reliant on the lake for their livelihoods.
Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir underscored the importance of integrating child protection measures in fishing activities to prevent child labor. He called for immediate reporting of such cases by local authorities to ensure children remain in school.
Furthermore, Charles Nakoel, chairperson of the Lake Turkana Association of BMUs, noted a lack of awareness among BMU members regarding the stakeholders and their projects. He called for stakeholders to engage directly with BMUs as the entry point to the fishing communities, in line with county regulations.
The forum included various organizations such as the DCA-led SPREAD project, GIZ, FAO, UNESCO, Kilimobiz, and SAPCONE, alongside government agencies like KWS, the Kenya Maritime Authority, and KEMFRI.
