This archive report was first published on 2 September 2021.
On 12th July 2021, the Swedish Ambassador to Kenya, Her Excellency Caroline Vicini, commissioned a fish processing factory in Kakamega, marking a significant milestone for local fish farmers.
The factory, which has been constructed through a Public Private Partnership between the Das Group and the Kakamega County Government, has the capacity to process 20 metric tons of fish per day.
According to Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, the factory will provide a much-needed market for the county's fish farmers, who have been struggling to sell their produce due to a lack of processing facilities.
"The factory will address the challenge of marketing that has been affecting fish farmers in the region and enable farmers to earn more money," Governor Oparanya said.
The factory is expected to export fish to European Union countries, with the Swedish Ambassador revealing that the facility meets the stringent standards required for EU export.
"EU has stringent rules and regulations on food sold in its market, but I am happy to note that this fish factory meets the standards to export fish to the EU market," Ambassador Vicini said.
The factory's operationalization is expected to benefit not only the local fish farmers but also the wider community, with Governor Oparanya noting that the factory has already employed 93 people.
"The growth of the factory will see more locals secure employment, and we are committed to supporting the development of the fisheries sector in the county," Governor Oparanya said.
