Nakuru County has allocated Sh13 million to construct a fish processing plant in Banda, located on Lake Naivasha's shores. The facility, slated for completion within two months, will include a fish market to relocate open-air vendors and a cold storage unit for value-added fish products.
Fisheries Officer Mathew Ngila revealed the project aims to process 2-3 tonnes of fish daily, boosting income for local stakeholders. The plant will feature bulk storage capabilities to enhance hygiene standards in fish handling, he added.
A second tender has been issued for small trader units, with plans to lease them for value addition activities. Ngila noted the county has already restocked over 100,000 fish fingerlings, targeting another 100,000 this financial year to sustain fishing operations.
David Ochieng, a local fishmonger, praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve business conditions. Lake Naivasha's fishing sector directly supports 700 fishermen and indirectly employs over 5,000 people in the value chain.
