Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), in partnership with the Migori County government and We!Hub Victoria Limited has developed a fish and sardine drying and preservation plant in Muhurubay.

The plant intends to help the fishermen experiencing severe post-harvest losses. The solar cooling and drying equipment serves Muhurubay and its surroundings.
PHOTO | COURTESY fishmongers


During the machine's debut, Lucas Mosenda, a Migori County Executive Committee member in the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Management, stated that fishermen lose 15-20 percent of their catch owing to post-harvest losses.

Mosenda stated that the equipment installed by KIRDI will provide a breath of relief to the fishermen who have been trying to preserve and dry their harvest.

A researcher at KIRDI, Linus Kosambo, stated that the machine was successful after being tested at one of their sites in Coastal Kenya.
PHOTO | COURTESY fishmonger


Kosambo stated that the machine, which can dry and preserve fish, operates purely on solar power and would address fish quality concerns, allowing fishermen to acquire a better market for their product.

KIRDI's chairperson, Eng. Peter Korinko echoed his sentiments, stating that similar initiatives should be implemented in other counties surrounding Lake Victoria.