Chamber President Erick Rutto today met youth and women entrepreneurs in the fishing sector during the closing of the KNCCI training in Homa Bay titled “Women and Youth Economic Empowerment in Fisheries Through Inclusive Market Access – Digital Solutions in Fish Value Chain.”

He noted that the program is designed to tackle the barriers women and youth face in the fisheries sector. By adopting a market systems development approach, it aims to unlock the potential of fish products—especially value-added processed fish—to boost regional trade.

The initiative which is funded by TradeMark Africa and Mastercard Foundation also seeks to strengthen collaboration among producers, traders, and exporters while improving access to markets, finance, and essential services.

Participants highlighted challenges such as limited access to fishing gear, lack of training, insecurity along the Kenya-Uganda border, and declining fish harvests.

Dr. Rutto shared KNCCI programs addressing these issues, including financial literacy, sector-specific training, and policy advocacy. He encouraged more businesses to join KNCCI to strengthen the chapter’s voice.