Sh13.5b budget for blue economy, nothing for broke fishermen

Fishermen cast their net to try their luck at the waters of the Indian Ocean along Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa County on May 18, 2021. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Despite the World Bank, European Union and other development partners pumping over Sh13.5 billion in the blue economy, three years later, local fishermen are yet to reap dividends.

Mohamed Omar, the chair of the Association of Kenyan Fishermen says the money has been channeled towards holding conferences in five-star hotels and research that is irrelevant to the fisherman.