Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani, represented by Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo Thursday flagged off the first consignment of 43 tonnes of seaweed from the Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers Cooperative Society in Pongwe-Kikoneni Ward, Lunga Lunga Sub-county.
The consignment is destined for export to Chile, marking a major milestone for seaweed farming in Kwale County.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Kibuyuni, Deputy Governor Kombo congratulated the seaweed farmers for successfully exporting their produce to the international market, saying the County Government is proud of their achievement.
“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.
Among those present were CEC Tourism Michael Mutua, CEC Water Hemed Mwabudzo, Chief Officer Trade Hassan Ngalaa, directors, administrators among other government officials.
