Kilifi county, 12 April 2023. The handover of 6 fully loaded fishing boats took place on April 12, 2023, in the Beach Management Units (BMUs) of Mtwapa and Uyombo, Kilifi County. The boats, three for each BMU, were delivered by a delegation of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Aics) and were financed within the Italian component of the EU-funded Go Blue Programme. The Italian component, which is developed by Aics in technical partnership with the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, aims at enhancing the fishery and the cassava value chains, which represent two driving sectors for the local economy, and to support the strengthening the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani Secretariat (JKP), which is the strategic local partner responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of the programme.
In both BMUs the delegation was welcomed by a big number of fishermen, traders and members who expressed sincere gratitude for the equipment received and for the joint effort among international, local and governmental stakeholders for the realization of such a comprehensive multiannual development initiative. In particular, the chairmen of the two boards expressed their satisfaction and once again confirmed the BMU’s commitment to make sure that the boats will benefit the entire community.
At the event, the Kilifi County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock Development & Blue Economy, Hon. Dr. Peterson Chura Mwagona underlined the importance of the strategic partnership and synergy with Italy and the other partners of Go Blue for the development of the sector. Also present from Kilifi County were the Chief Officer for the Blue Economy Mrs. Rahab Karisa and the Assistant Director Mr. John Mwangi Gachuru.
Moreover, the CEO of the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP), Mr. Emmanuel Nzai, who was accompanied by the JKP Responsible for Financial Services & Investments Mrs. Gladys Mnjama, remarked the impact of the set of activities performed by Aics some of which are realized in a technical partnership with CIHEAM Bari, among which, besides from the delivery of boats and fishing gears, there are trainings to fishermen and the provision of ice-making machines that will contribute significantly to making the cold chain reliable and preserving the fish.
According to Mr. Lorenzo Colonna-Preti, project manager for the Italian component of Go Blue, the six delivered boats will significantly contribute to create revenues and economic opportunities for the communities in the area. He particularly underlined that the synergy among developing partners, governmental and county authorities and BMUs is key to the development of the coastal area of Kenya, harnessing important coastal and marine resources not only to achieve the development of a sustainable blue economy, but also to bring jobs to many youths and women.
The handover procedure included a test of the proper functionality of each boat including the engine, and a detailed check of the related safety equipment that has been provided.
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