Nassir’s New Year gift for Likoni fishers

The new Likoni fish market / BRIAN OTIENO

Likoni fish traders have got the perfect New Year gift after the county government announced the completion of the modern fish market.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said on Friday the new market is 100 per cent complete and ready for occupation.

“The market will be officially commissioned shortly as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the blue economy and support coastal communities,” he said hours after ushering in the New Year in style at the Mama Ngina Waterfront Park.

The market, which can hold more than 300 traders, is a flagship facility meant to increase business for the fish traders by making it more hygienic, efficient and attractive.

It is a joint initiative between the Mombasa government and CS Hassan Joho’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Mining.

“The project is set to significantly improve the livelihoods of beach management units in Likoni by enabling proper storage of fish catch, reducing losses, and enhancing earnings for local fishers,” Nassir said.

Gadasalim Kirago, a Likoni Ferry fish trader, said she has been in the trade for more than three decades, helping her educate her children.

She said the new market is spacious and well-designed, making it easier for customers to walk through while buying fish.

“This is the best New Year gift I have received apart from the life that God has given us,” Kirago said.

Mgeni Abdalla, another fish trader at the Likoni Ferry fish market, said she has been working in the scotching sun for all the while she has worked in the market.

“I was weather beaten. During dry days, I was under the scotching sun and dust used to make it uncomfortable for myself and the clients who would shy away from buying whenever they saw dust on the fish,” she said.

Abdalla said she has booked her space in the new fish market and believes she will be more comfortable and make more sales.

Shabani Matano, the Likoni Beach Management Unit chairman, said the new fish market will even motivate the BMU members to work harder.

He said 42 members of the BMU got stalls in the new market.

“Although the fish stock has reduced in the sea, we hope this year, things will be much better with this new facility giving us more hope for a brighter future,” Matano said.

Mohamed Juma, the Likoni BMU vice chairperson, said Governor Nassir, during his campaigns, pledged a lot of things, one of which was the upgrading of the Likoni fish market.

“We are thankful to God for enabling him fulfil this fish market pledge. Now we have a modern fish market which we hope will make our lives much better,” he said.

Juma noted that need for a cold storage room could not have been emphasised more.