Fishing communities, aquaculture farmers and traders across Kenya are set to benefit from a new programme designed to expand access to credit, insurance, training and modern technology in the fisheries sector.
The initiative, launched through a partnership between Equity Group and MicroSave Consulting (MSC), seeks to tackle long‑standing barriers that have slowed growth in Kenya’s blue economy, including limited financing, post‑harvest losses and restricted market access.
The programme will target fishers, aquaculture farmers, processors, traders, feed producers and exporters with tailored financial products and climate‑smart solutions aimed at improving productivity and incomes. Planned interventions include affordable credit and insurance, financial literacy training, cold storage facilities to reduce spoilage, and digital tools to help farmers make informed business decisions.
Women and youth engaged in fishing activities are expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries, as the programme prioritises gender equity and sustainable livelihoods in coastal and lakeside communities.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Equity Group CEO Dr James Mwangi said the partnership would help transform fisheries from subsistence activities into commercially viable enterprises. “This partnership brings together institutions with diverse capabilities, creating a powerful platform to drive impact at scale. The fisheries sector represents a significant but underexploited opportunity. Through this collaboration, we will not only expand financial inclusion but also advance gender equity, strengthen food systems, and support climate resilience,” he said.
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Dr Mwangi added that integrating digital infrastructure, data and artificial intelligence into the sector would attract investment, improve productivity and strengthen food security. “We are transforming agriculture and fisheries from subsistence activities into vibrant economic sectors. By leveraging digital public infrastructure and AI, we aim to elevate these sectors from traditional, informal engagements into modern economic engines that attract capital, improve productivity, and create inclusive opportunities for women to work alongside their sons and daughters while driving food security and economic growth,” he said.
MSC Group Managing Director Graham A.N. Wright said the partnership comes at a critical time when climate change and global disruptions are threatening food systems and livelihoods. He noted that the collaboration would help communities better manage risks while improving access to information, financing and climate‑smart technologies. “By linking these communities to tailored financial products and climate‑smart solutions, we can address structural barriers and unlock sustainable opportunities for women and youth in the fisheries sector,” Wright said.
Beyond financing, the programme will support entrepreneurship training, mentorship and market linkages to help small‑scale fish farmers transition into sustainable commercial enterprises. Initial implementation will begin in Kenya before expanding to other African markets where Equity Group operates.
By Masaki Enock
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