By John Ochieng
The National Government has handed over to locals a fish processing plant in Rongo Sub-county which was established at a cost of Sh92million through Economic Stimulus Programme in 2010.
Director Harun Khator, while officially handing over the plant at Opapo in Rongo, called on the community to invest in fish ponds to be able to sustain the plant and create employment to thousands of unemployed youths.
“The plant will process up to five tonnes of fish per day and it will be disheartening if the community fails to ensure adequate fish supply,” he said.
Migori County is among four counties that have benefited from the programme that includes Nyeri, Meru and Kakamega. Fish farmers have been challenged to maintain their ponds for quality fish that will attract both national and international market.
The director, however, said although the plant has been handed over, they will continue working together with the County Government to ensure increased production of fish in the region.
He said being close to Lake Victoria is an added advantage in that the plant will fully exploit its potential and ensure lifeline of the plant besides offering employment to thousands of Kenyans.
Migori County Executive Officer in charge of Agriculture, Valentine Ogogo promised to allocate adequate funding to support expansion and increased production.
He praised former MP Dalmas Otieno for supporting the project.
The plant will have to rely on fish from neighbouring counties to fully operate uninterrupted.
