MIGORI, Kenya, July 22, 2026 – Fishermen and fish traders in Muhuru Bay, Nyatike Constituency, are expressing growing frustration over the continued absence of a functional ice plant, a situation they say has severely affected their livelihoods and the local fishing economy for nearly three years.


The fishermen argue that the lack of an operational ice plant has made it difficult to preserve fish after harvesting, leading to frequent spoilage, reduced market value, and significant financial losses. Many traders say they are forced to sell fish at lower prices immediately after landing their catch to avoid losses, reducing their earnings and weakening the local fisheries value chain.


According to residents, efforts to revive fish preservation infrastructure in the area began during the administration of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, with expectations that the facility would help improve fish handling, storage, and marketing. However, fishermen claim the project has not yielded the expected benefits, and they accuse the current county administration of failing to prioritize its completion and operationalization.


The concerns come at a time when the government is investing heavily in blue economy projects around Muhuru Bay. Ongoing development of the Muhuru Bay Pier includes plans for a cold storage facility intended to improve fish preservation and reduce post-harvest losses among fishermen. Government officials have said the project is nearing completion and is expected to strengthen fisheries value chains and improve market access for local communities.


Residents argue that while large infrastructure projects are welcome, immediate solutions are needed to address the daily challenges facing fishermen. They say the absence of reliable ice production forces traders to travel long distances in search of ice, increasing operational costs and reducing profits.


Muhuru Bay remains one of the most important fishing hubs along Lake Victoria, with thousands of households depending directly or indirectly on the fishing industry. Studies and government reports have consistently identified fisheries as a key economic activity in the area, making fish preservation infrastructure critical for sustaining livelihoods.


Local leaders and fishing groups are now calling on county and national government authorities to urgently address the issue. They warn that unless fish handling and preservation facilities are improved, fishermen will continue to incur avoidable losses despite increased investment in the region's blue economy sector.


As pressure mounts, residents say they hope ongoing development projects in Muhuru Bay will not only boost trade and transport but also provide practical solutions that directly improve the lives of fishermen and fish traders.


Hamasta Media – Reporting Moments That Matter.