AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE CONDUCTS SITE VISIT AT LUANDA K’OTIENO FISH PROCESSING PLANT.
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Monday, 4th November, 2024
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The County Assembly Committee on Agriculture visited the Luanda K’Otieno Fish Processing Plant in South Uyoma Ward to assess the facility’s management and operations services.
The delegation, led by Chairperson Hon. Fredrick Omoro, was received by Sylvester K’Okoth, CECM Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock and Blue Economy, who gave them a comprehensive overview of the facility’s services.
During the site visit, the CECM divulged that the department is currently seeking to onboard a competent and experienced strategic investor to manage, operate, and profitably run the fish processing plant. He added that it is only through a robust public-private partnership that the facility will enhance the value addition of fish, increase incomes, and ensure a revamped local economy.
In his remarks, Hon. Omoro called on the Agriculture Department to work on modalities of prioritizing and developing fish and fish products value chain through the provision of fishing gears, fingerlings, fish feeds, cooler boxes, and patrol boats.
He further reiterated the Committee’s commitment to seeing the fish plant roar into operation saying that the facility will help in weaning off brokers and middlemen and ensure that fish farmers enjoy the fruits of their hard labour.
“This facility is crucial in the improvement of our local economy. Its rejuvenation by bringing on board a strategic investor is a good idea as this will improve market access, and enhance the livelihoods of the local community,” remarked Hon. Omoro.
Area MCA Hon. Michael Otieno indicated that the plant will help maintain high standards of hygiene and quality, thus making Luanda K’Otieno fish products more competitive domestically and even regionally.
“Fishing is our main economic mainstay, and as a people, we welcome any idea that will enhance our fish farming efficiency. The operationalization of the Luanda K’Otieno plant is essential in ensuring that the fisher folk can sell their catch at fair prices and also maintain quality,” stated Hon. Otieno.
South East Alego Ward MCA Hon. Mercedes Madowo emphasized the importance of the fish plant and urged the community to fully embrace it, as it will be a primary driver of the area’s economic growth.
Built to modern fish handling standards, the Luanda K’Otieno fish landing site was realized in a collaboration between the national government and the county government of Siaya. It was constructed and equipped as an ultramodern fish landing site at an approximate cost of Ksh. 140 million for the building and Ksh. 50 million for equipment. It has provisions for laboratory services, a conference room, and CCTV/ security cameras.
The plant is expected to officially start operating on 21 November 2024, when Siaya County will host the national celebrations to mark World Fisheries Day 2024. The event will be held at Luanda K’Otieno Beach.
During the visit, the Committee further requested the Department of Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock and Blue Economy to intervene and assist the Luanda K’Otieno fish cage farmers following the destruction of their cages by a floating vegetative mass. This invasive plant has resulted in losses worth millions of shillings for the local aquaculture community.
