Governor Achani distributes 13 boats to boost seaweed farming, fishing in Kwale

Six of the boats will support seaweed farming activities, specifically aiding in the harvesting and transportation of seaweed from the ocean to the shore. The remaining seven boats were issued to local fishers to enhance fishing efforts, with the aim of increasing daily fish catches from 2.3 kilograms to 1.5 tonnes.

The initiative is part of the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project, a collaboration between the Kwale County Government and the National Government, funded by the World Bank.

This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Enhancing Innovation, Production, Value Addition and Market Linkages.”

Speaking during the event, Governor Achani emphasized the economic potential of seaweed farming, describing it as an “untapped treasure” and reaffirming her administration’s commitment to its development.

“So far, we have established 21 seaweed farming groups with about 420 active farmers in Msambweni and Lunga Lunga sub-counties. We also support them annually with essential inputs such as ropes, gumboots, gloves, and weighing scales,” said Achani.

The governor also announced the construction of a seaweed storage facility at Mwazaro and highlighted the recent purchase and distribution of six seaweed transportation boats for use by six seaweed farming groups. Additionally, eight groups have received various value addition equipment, including disc mills, pulverizing machines, and soap plodders.

Beach Management Unit Network representative Mtengo Omar expressed gratitude for the continued government support:

“So far, we have been given over 62 boats, which has made fishing easier and more efficient,” he said.

Ashura Sheboi, a representative from Tumbe Seaweed, also praised the initiative:

“Our lives have changed through seaweed farming. We thank the county government for the support,” she said.

Seaweed is a key raw material used in the production of soap, shampoo, seaweed powder, food products, pharmaceuticals, and industrial cleaning agents.