KFIC Deepens Partnerships with Coastal BMUs and Cooperatives to Boost Fisheries Value Chain

The Kenya Fishing Industries Corporation (KFIC) continues to make strategic strides in revitalizing the fisheries sector by forging key partnerships aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing value addition at community level.

In a series of recent engagements along the Kenyan coast, KFIC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mikah O. Nyaberi, PhD, led delegations from the Business and Production Departments to multiple Beach Management Units (BMUs) and cooperatives for the official signing of commercial agreements that will pave the way for the refurbishment and operationalization of critical infrastructure.

At Kichwa cha Kati and Ngomeni BMUs, Dr. Nyaberi presided over the signing of agreements that will see the revival of ice-making plants at the respective landing sites. These interventions are geared toward strengthening the fisheries value chain by boosting fish business operations and tackling the persistent challenge of post-harvest losses. This initiative is directly aligned with KFIC’s core mandate of promoting value addition and improving community livelihoods through sustainable fisheries development.

In a related engagement, the CEO visited the KIPINI OZI CHARA Cooperative in Tana River County, where KFIC formalized a strategic commercial partnership focused on the repair and activation of an ice flaking machine plant. Once operational, the plant will ensure affordable and consistent ice supply to fishers, enhancing the freshness and marketability of fish products.

The cooperative’s leadership, under Chairperson Mr. Omar, expressed strong enthusiasm and readiness to collaborate with KFIC. This spirit of partnership was echoed by the Tana River County Government, which pledged its support and goodwill to the initiative.

“These agreements are more than just business deals—they mark the beginning of a long-term collaboration with coastal communities as we work to unlock the full potential of Kenya’s blue economy,” said Dr. Nyaberi. “Our goal is to operationalize idle infrastructure across key landing sites, ensuring that fishers can access modern facilities that add value to their efforts.”

These initiatives reflect KFIC’s broader mission of fostering a thriving and sustainable blue economy that uplifts local communities and contributes to national economic growth. As more agreements are planned in other regions, KFIC remains committed to empowering stakeholders across the fisheries sector through innovation, investment, and inclusive development.