Mombasa governor Nassir announces completion of modern fish market

The market, the governor said, is now 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 after ushering in the New Year at Mama Ngina Waterfront Park.

The market, with a capacity to 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 county 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 over three decades, helping her educate her children.

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

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

“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,” Abdalla said.

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

He said more than 42 members of the BMU have 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.

He noted that the need for a cold storage room could not have been emphasized more.