The government has restocked Turkwel Dam with 80,000 tilapia fingerlings in a bid to revive the region’s declining fish population.
The initiative is aimed at sustaining fisheries as a vital source of livelihood for local communities while also promoting food security and economic empowerment.
Addressing the press at Turwel dam, Ann Mokoro, the Regional Director, revealed that during a survey on the dam, they realised that the fish population in the dam was dwindling and there was a need to restock it.
‘‘The survey of the dam highlighted the fish had significantly decreased, underscoring the need for restocking the dam,’’ Mokoro said.
She said the decline of fish had significantly impacted fisherfolk, who were struggling to catch fish to sustain their livelihoods and nutrition.
Mokoro said as a result of the decline of fish in the dam, the Kenya Fisheries requested the national government to restock the dam with fish so as to ensure the local residents have access to adequate food.
Mokoro emphasised the dam’s importance to the community, stating that it provides vital food sources and income through fish sales and supports environmental conservation efforts.
‘The income generated from fishing allows people to afford school fees for education for their children, which is important both economically and socially.’ Mokoro said.
She encouraged fishermen to harvest fish only after they have laid eggs and matured and to ensure they return smaller fish back to the dam to promote stock growth.
‘Fishermen should obtain licences and register with the Beach Management Unit (BMU) for legal recognition and to receive government support.’ Mokoro urged.
She disclosed that there is a formal process for the formation and registration of BMUs, which oversee dam management and ensure that only fisherfolk benefit from government support, including donations and resources.
Mokoro also mentioned that the Kenya Fisheries Services department is collaborating with the county government in West Pokot to engage the local community in forming a Bach Management Unit (BMU).
She said the formation of BMUs helps the fisheries department identify those involved in dam management, ensuring they can benefit from government support.
She said given the size of the Turkwel dam, the distribution for restocking consists of 40,000 fingerlings to the Kango’letiang area and 40,000 to the Riting area to replenish fish stocks and ensure sustainable harvests.
Mokoro emphasised the importance of community cooperation, proper regulations, and government support to sustain the fishery, improve livelihoods, and maintain ecological balance in the dam.
She urged the local community to care for restocked fish and reminded those who have not yet obtained their fishing licenses to do so too.
In his remarks, Samoei Kosgei, the Director of the Fisheries Department in West Pokot County, expressed gratitude towards the national government and the Kenya Fisheries Services for the donation of high-quality fingerlings from Sagana National Research and Breeding Centre.
He noted that it was the first time the county government had received fingerlings from Sagana, noting that previously they had been sourcing from Kisumu and Chwele in Bungoma County.
Kosgei cautioned locals against using illegal fishing nets and emphasised the importance of caring for the fish population, which would ultimately benefit the community.
He encouraged proper fishing practices, urging fisherfolk to return any small fish caught back to the dam.
He also highlighted the necessity for fishermen to register with the beach management unit to participate in fishing activities at the dam, stating that future support from the government, including fishing nets and boats, would only be available to those registered.
Anton Mulegeni. Chairman of the Kapsendu Beach Management Unit at Turkwel Dam expressed gratitude to the government for their efforts in restocking fish in the dam.
He noted that they had experienced low and small-sized fish catches and expressed optimism that the increased fish stock will boost local incomes.
Mulegeni urged fishermen to obtain proper licences to operate legally and avoid illegal fishing practices.
‘Currently, only about 15 individuals have obtained licences, and efforts are ongoing to sensitise more community members about the importance of licensing,’ he said.
He also highlighted the importance of community awareness of legal fishing practices, supported by advice from area administrative officers.
Philomena Siwa, a local fisherwoman, expressed happiness over receiving fish from the national government and appreciated the training provided by Kenya Fisheries Services.
She requested the government to recruit security personnel to protect the dam from illegal fishing and suggested organising educational tours for locals to learn more about dam and fish management. Additionally, she called for employment opportunities for local residents.
Bishop Peter Siwa, from the Riting area of Turkwel, thanked the government for the donation of 80,000 fingerlings, acknowledging the positive impact such support could have on the region.
He noted that the dam has transformed the lives of many residents, many of whom had shifted from engaging in banditry and theft to pursuing fishing as a means of livelihood.
Siwa requested that the government consider donating a motorboat and providing locals with employment for dam management.
He urged the government to secure the dam against illegal fishing, underlining the need for designated closure periods before fishing is permitted to allow for the fish population to thrive.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of having security guards and monitoring activities at the dam to ensure that no one could access it before the closure periods.
By Anthony Melly
