By Alloys Musyoka
A consignment of 43 tons of seaweed from the Kibuyuni seaweed farmers’ cooperative society in, LungaLlunga sub-county destined for export to Chile today flagged off Kwale deputy governor Chirema Kombo.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Kibuyuni, deputy governor Kombo said that the consignment marks a major milestone for seaweed farming in Kwale county.
“The government under the leadership of Governor Fatuma Achani will continue working closely with seaweed farmers and strengthening their capacity to ensure the sector creates more employment opportunities for our people,” said Deputy Governor Kombo.
County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Roman Shera, also commended the farmers and urged them to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at expanding market opportunities for seaweed producers.
“As a county government, we have plans to promote value addition for seaweed so that it can fetch better prices and improve the livelihoods of our farmers,” said Shera.
Seaweed Farmers Chairperson Amir Juma thanked the County Government for its continued support since the project began, saying the assistance had enabled the cooperative to reach the export market.
“We were previously selling to small-scale buyers, but today we are grateful that the County Government has helped us secure a bulk buyer who has purchased our seaweed in large quantities,” he said.
Seaweed farmers vice Chairperson Marinda Bakari and seaweed farmer Mariam Ali also praised the County Government, noting that seaweed farming has greatly empowered women economically. They said many women are now able to support themselves financially and no longer depend on their husbands for their daily needs.
