By James Adika
A lucrative fish export deal recently collapsed in Homabay County after Sardines or omena failed to meet the required standards.
Investors said the species harvested in the region were too small for the in potential export market in Europe.
Under the agreement signed between Governor Cyprian Awiti and a delegation from the Isle of Manchester last year, the county was to export at least 10,000 tonnes of omena annually.
Besides increasing their earnings through export, the fishermen would also have had a fish packing and processing plants.
When samples of the frozen fresh omena were taken to Ireland and tested early this year, it was established that they were too small.
“It is unfortunate that we cannot export our omena because of the size. Homa Bay county can produce at least 35,000 tonnes a year”. Said Awiti.
“Unfortunately the species we harvest are too small,” County executive member for Fisheries David Okeyo told Talk Africa.
He however said that once the Mbita causeway is opened, the breeding sites of fish would change for the better and enable the harvests meet the international standards requirements.
Assessment of small fish species at Muhuru Bay in Migori county by Ireland early this year revealed that the county could export omena because their species was large as compared to Homa Bay.
Migori County executive member for agriculture, livestock and fisheries, Moses Chamwada said none of the investors from Ireland had approached them.
“We had asked our counterparts (Homa Bay) to incorporate us in the deal because we also have a sizeable quantity that meets international standards,” He noted.
Mr Chamwada said they would not hesitate to come on board should they be approached. “Our intention is to improve the value of fish species in Lake Victoria.”
Ireland’s Minister for the environment, food and agriculture Phil Gawne had earlier said investors from his country were keen on importing omena in large quantities from Homa Bay.
In other news, County Government of Homa Bay will provide life jackets to Fishermen to help curb frequent accidents on Lake Victoria. Governor Cyprian Awiti said he was currently in discussion with Beach Management Unit leaders from all the beaches in the county over the Life Jackets and many other issues affecting fishermen.
Mr. Awiti also said his government will distribute gas powered cooler boxes to strategic fish landing beaches to help address post-harvest loses that have resulted to incur massive losses by fishermen.
Speaking at his residence in Mawego last weekend, when he received a delegation of Women and youth, Mr. Awiti said the County Government will also procure 5 patrol boats to help boost security monitor fishing activities in the lake.
“The engine powered boats will be stationed on Mfangano, Rusinga, Mbita, Suba and in Karachuonyo. They will be used to not only police the lake but to monitor fishing activities by the Beach Management Unit officials.”
