As part of its core mandate to promote sustainable fisheries and empower coastal communities, the Kenya Fishing Industries Corporation (KFIC) is focused and determined to revive and operationalize the ice and cold storage facilities in Mfangano Island. This initiative aims to enhance fish quality preservation and reduce post-harvest losses, thereby improving incomes for local fishers.

KFIC, in collaboration with financial institutions and development partners, will also support the local cooperative by facilitating access to deep sea fishing vessels under the Tuvuwe Bahari Kuu Pamoja collaborative program. Through this program, fishing groups organized as cooperatives will benefit from affordable financing, with KFIC acting as the management guarantor to ensure vessel maintenance, loan repayment, and market access.

Furthermore, KFIC will foster open markets and partnerships between local communities, county governments, national government agencies, and other key players in the blue economy sector to create sustainable value chains, promote economic growth, and uplift livelihoods in the region.

The new vertical farming approach has allowed participants to grow up to 3 times more produce in the same space. By using recycled water and solar energy, these farms are completely self-sufficient.

Over 150 local farmers have already completed the training program, with 87% reporting increased yields in their first harvest season. The program includes hands-on workshops, mentoring from agricultural experts, and access to specialized equipment.

"This program transformed how I approach farming," says participant Jane Wanjiku. "I've doubled my production while using less water and no chemical fertilizers."

We are proud as an island to have produced the best player, Obafemi Martins of Makira in the tournament. Congratulations team Mfangano. Out of the pinje auchiel Mfangano was position 6 with 4points

Jane's 5-acre farm was struggling with inconsistent yields and high input costs before she joined our training program. After implementing drip irrigation and companion planting techniques, she saw immediate improvements.

"The first season after training, my tomato yield increased by 120%," Jane explains. "But more importantly, I reduced my water usage by 40% and completely eliminated chemical pesticides."

Jane's success has inspired other farmers in her community, and she now mentors three neighboring farms. Her produce commands premium prices at local markets due to its organic certification and superior quality.

The agricultural extension office has recognized Jane as a model farmer, and she will be featured in an upcoming documentary about sustainable farming practices in the region.