Kisumu County is the Fishing County

Some call it Kisumo. Some simply call it Kisumu Dala. Some refer to it as the ‘land of fish’ and yet some identify it as Kisumu City. Whatever way you choose to say  it, one fact comes out clear, Kisumu County is the land of fish.

Kisumu County sits on the shores of the expansive Lake Victoria and this provides the County with the unique potential as a major fishing destination. Fishing is the major economic activity in this County. Many residents, both young and old, engage in fishing as the only major way to earn an income.

Fishing in Lake Victoria has been into existence since the time immemorial. People have been fishing. Fish has always been on the market since then. The method used for fishing is the use of the old antiquated traditional technologies of boats and rafts. This has greatly hampered the development of the industry.

There is also the recent threat of water hyacinth. Water hyacinth is threatening to choke the lake. This implies that if it is not tamed, the hyacinth will soon deny the residents of this County their major daily bread.

Fish industry is one of the major industry in this County that lies fully unutilized. Despite the fact that it is one of the major economic activity, little has been done to enhance the sector. For instance, fishermen still use traditional methods to preserve their fish, s process that leads to many of them encountering losses. There is no fish processing plant in the County. There is no plant that also makes fish products. A wise investor would think of investing in this sector before anything else. This will include the use of new fishing technology.

Challenges an investor is likely to face

One of the major challenge is the threat of the water hyacinth. This has often hindered fishing in the lake. This can also hinder the use of new fishing methods. An investor is also likely to meet resistance from indigenous residence who depend on the lake for fishing. This is because they may think that an investor has come to take away their daily bread.

The politics of Kisumu County

There has always been a political tension between the current governor of Kisumu County Jack Ranguma and his deputy Ruth Odinga. Ruth Odinga, the sister to Raila Odinga has announced her plans to contest for a governor seat come the year 2017. There has also been disagreements between the two and this has affected coordination and, therefore, decision making.

There has been also reports of mismanagement of public funds by the County Government in the past as well as other corruption activities.

The future for investors

Investors who wish to invest in this County have a great potential to invest. The business environment is promising. The market is large and there is an opening for good returns.