Turkana Fishing Community Receives First-Ever Modern Equipment Donation
Todonyang, 15 January 2026
The Kanamukuny fishing community in Turkana County has received its first-ever donation of modern fishing equipment, marking a historic milestone for the remote settlement. The comprehensive package includes 32 fish rack tables, 12 wooden boats fitted with Mercury 15 HP engines, 60 fishing nets, and life jackets, distributed through a partnership between Turkana County Government, DanChurch Aid, and the Turkana Pastoralist Development Organization. Delivered on 14th January 2026, the equipment was distributed to five fisherfolk groups, with six additional groups expected to receive their gear by early February. The initiative represents a significant investment in transforming livelihoods within Kenya’s second-largest county, covering 77,000 square kilometres in the north-western region. Officials emphasise the donation’s potential to fuel commercial fishing operations whilst building climate resilience and food security for the community.
Partnership Delivers Comprehensive Support Package
The first batch of modern fishing equipment was distributed to five specific fisherfolk groups: Arii, Piringan, Kayedit, Arim, and Kiponit [1]. The donation represents a collaborative effort between three key partners, with the Turkana Pastoralist Development Organization (TUPADO) and DanChurch Aid having previously provided fish value-related training to women leaders in July 2025 [1]. The remaining six fisherfolk groups are scheduled to receive their equipment allocation by early February 2026, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the Kanamukuny fishing community [1].
Community Leaders Express Transformative Impact
Joyce Ekai, Chair of the Arim Fisherfolk group, highlighted the significance of the donation, stating: “We are thrilled to finally have modern gear…And this donation is a big relief” [1]. The equipment package addresses critical infrastructure gaps that have long hindered the community’s fishing capacity. Karen Poore, Country Director for DCA Kenya, emphasised the broader development strategy, explaining that “DCA supports communities to improve their livelihoods from agriculture, livestock and fishing, improving resilience towards climate change and enhancing food security” [1].
Government Officials Commit to Sectoral Development
Hon Peter Eregae, County Chief Officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture, reinforced the county’s commitment to partnership-based development, stating: “We value our long-standing partnership with TUPADO and DCA. We will keep working with them and other partners to drive progress in the fisheries sector” [1]. Eregae had previously distributed fishing gear to Beach Management Units (BMUs) in Kalokol with Lattice Aquaculture in December 2025, demonstrating ongoing sectoral investment [1]. The Chief Officer for Partnership Coordination, Janerose Tioko, specifically urged fisherfolk groups at Kanamukuny to utilise the equipment to fuel commercial fishing operations [1].
Strategic Vision for Regional Peace and Development
Sammy Ekal, Executive Director for TUPADO, revealed that the support initiative follows a joint needs assessment conducted with DanChurch Aid in 2025 [1]. Beyond equipment provision, TUPADO’s strategic framework encompasses broader regional stability objectives. Ekal emphasised that “We are also fostering resilience and Peace, so Turkana and neighbours can fish together in a harmony, conflict free environment” [1]. This approach recognises the transboundary nature of fishing activities in the region and the importance of maintaining peaceful coexistence between communities. Hon Peter Eregae has also promised continued support for groups that were not included in the initial distribution, particularly highlighting the new fisherfolk community in Lapur Ward [1].