By Kevine Omollo

Kisumu, Kenya: United States has donated three fishing boats and fishing gear to women groups in Kisumu as part of “No Sex for Fish” campaign.

The equipment valued at Sh300, 000 were presented to women trading on fish at Ogenya Beach on Thursday by Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya Isiah Parnell.

The fishing equipment was brought through funding by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and is aimed at eradicating the “Sex for Fish” practice.

The practice in which fishermen (Joboya) commonly sell fish to women fish traders who agree to have sex with them is said to be prevalent along the shores of Lake Victoria and has fueled the spread of HIV around the lake region.

“This donation is geared towards ensuring that women trade fish sourced exclusively by their own boats without submitting to the “sex for fish” practice and as a result should reduce HIV prevalence in the region,” said Parnel.

“No Sex for Fish” Campaign Charperson Justine Adhiambo said the group has been able to solicit help from organizations which promote health after widespread outcry over the dangerous practice.

“The project is the reaction by 19 women fish traders against this practice.  The women acquire fishing boats and fishing gear on credit from well-wishers and hire men to fish using them,” said Ms Adhiambo.

They then repay the loans from the proceeds of their business, and use that to purchase more boats and fishing gear for more women.

The three boats donated by the US government bring the number of boats to thirteen, which now will serve more fish landing beaches.

“Our aim is to ensure all women involved in fish trading are empowered so as to enable them negotiate on their money rather than sex and we hope it will be expanded to other counties,” added Ms Adhiambo.

Kisumu County Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga said the county government is also working on a program to provide refrigerators to the traders for fish preservation along the shores.

“We have also started negotiating consistent market to ensure your produce is taken up immediately to improve cash flow in the region,” she added.

komollo@standard.co.ke