Lake Turkana Station Newsletter. Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute INSIDE THIS ISSUE. Sampling Turkwel Gorge Reservoir

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1 Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Volume 1, Issue 1 January-March, 2018 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Sampling Turkwel Gorge Reservoir 3 KMFRI Board Members visit Turkana Station 5 Monitoring fish breeding areas 6 Handing over renovated offices 7 Delivery of equipment scientific 8 Lake Turkana fisheries stakeholders workshop 9 Inspection of postharvest intervention facilities 10

2 Page 1 Reconnaissance Survey to Turkwel Gorge Reservoir, Kapenguria and Kitale Fish Markets By James Last & Oscar Donde Research Scientists from KMFRI Lake Turkana Station led by the Station Coordinator Mr. John Malala had a five day (14 th 19 th January 2018) reconnaissance survey in West Pokot and Trans Nzoia to assess the fisheries status in Turkwel Gorge Reservoir for better understanding and appropriate management of its fisheries. The scientists (James Last Keyombe, Oscar Donde Casianes Olilo and Maurice Obiero) engaged various fisheries stakeholders at Turkwel Gorge Reservoir including officials from Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) who are the managers of the resource. This engagement was preceded by a socioeconomic survey at Kitale and Kapenguria Town Fish Markets. The scientists also held lengthy discussions with county officials and political leaders from the County. Present in the meetings were County Executive Committee Member for Ministry of Agriculture, Pastoral Economy and Fisheries Mr Geoffrey Lipale, Fisheries Director, Fisheries Officer, Member of County Assembly representing Turkwel Gorge Reservoir Area among others. Lake Turkana Station Research Scientists and Driver at Turkwel Dam, (L-R: Maurice Obiero, Casianes Olilo, Oscar Donde, John Malala, Kepha Osike and James Last Keyombe) Observed fisheries challenges Unregulated fishing, use of inferior fishing vessels and gears, use of illegal nets, no clear fish value chain, scanty fisheries data, lack of safety gears for fishermen, understaffing/underfunding of resource managers, lack of legislation to govern resource use, inter-communal border conflicts among others. WAY FORWARD Recommendations for management Well organised restocking of the dam with proper pre and post restocking co-management plans, proper fisheries data acquisition/collection, dissemination and storage plans, fresh study on Turkwel dam fish value chain for proper management planning, elaborate limnological study of the dam water as well as other rivers within the catchment area and actualize the collaboration with the relevant stakeholders in any future management plan on Turkwel dam fisheries Did You Know? Turkwel Gorge Reservoir has 5 fish species; Nile til apia ( Oreochromis niloticus), Red-bellied tilapia (Tilapia zilli), African sharp tooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Labeo horie and Barbus bynii Editorial Team James Last Atalitsa Keyombe Head of Publicity & Outreach jlast@kmfri.co.ke Mobile: +254 (0) Vitalis Nickanor Omire Media Technician vnickanor@gmail.com Mobile: +254 (0) Cover photo: Fresh water spring at KMFRI s land in Nataba on the shores of Lake Turkana ALL PHOTOS IN THIS ISSUE ARE COURTESY OF VITALIS NICKANOR OMIRE

3 Page 2 Photos from the Reconnaissance Survey KMFRI scientists conducting a survey at Kalokol Fish Market in Kitale Town facilitated by Mr Boundi, a KMFRI technician deployed in the market for data collection Information sharing facilitated by Mr Ojiambo of KVDA at his office in Turkwel KMFRI Scientists in a boardroom meeting with the CECM, MCA, Fisheries Director and Fisheries Officer of West Pokot County Government at Kapenguria Town Mr Malala assisted by Mr Kinyua of KVDA estimating the mesh size and identifying the types fishing gears in use at the reservoir. Observing is Mr Oscar Donde KMFRI Scientists interviewing Mr Odek, a fisherman at Turkwel Gorge Reservoir

4 Page 3 Sampling Turkwel Gorge Reservoir By James Last & Maurice Obiero A sampling expedition was undertaken at Turkwel Gorge Reservoir from 30th January to 3rd February 2018 to achieve one of the performance contract targets set by the Institute s Management for Lake Turkana Station. Turkwel Gorge Reservoir in northwestern Kenya was formed by damming of Suam River. The four main aims for its construction were power production, irrigation of dry-land, tourist attraction site and fisheries production. Power and fisheries production are the only successful output so far. Fisheries production although successful is still underperforming even after successive restocking of tilapia and catfish fingerlings in the reservoir by both KVDA and West Pokot County Government. The main objective of the performance contract target was to assess the fisheries status of the reservoir. A multidisciplinary approach was applied which included survey of the limnological aspects of the reservoir, fish biology, post-harvest fish handling and socio-economics. Scientists who undertook the exercise were John Malala, Casianes Olilo, Maurice Obiero, Chadwick Bironga and James Last Keyombe. The Technical staff was represented by David Lotulyakou and Media Officer Vitalis Omire. Also present was Josphat Ekiru whom together with the local fishermen were very instrumental in setting and hauling the fishing nets used for sample collection continue page 4 Josphat Ekiru assisted by a fisherman hauling a fishing net from the water for data recording. Observing is Mr Casianes Olilo Riparian vegetation along the Suam River after exiting Turkwel Gorge Reservoir Fish being dried on twigs before deep frying for onward transport to Kitale and Kapenguria Mr Maurice Obiero inspecting a traditional fish smoking kiln at the reservoir

5 Page 4 Sampling Turkwel Gorge Reservoir from page 3 It was observed that fish handling and processing around the reservoir was largely rudimentary and urgent interventions need to be made to ensure profitability. Results from this study will provide important information to KMFRI, KVDA, West Pokot County Governme n t, env i ro nme nt al managers and the public at large, information that can help in guiding the management of the fisheries of the Turkwel Gorge Reservoir, Turkwel River and other aquatic systems in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya. A full report on the findings will be documented by the Scientists and presented to KMFRI Director before being distributed to other stakeholders Focussed group discussion led by Mr Malala with representatives of fishermen and fish traders around the reservoir FACTS ABOUT TURKWEL RESERVOIR Found at the border of West Pokot and Turkana Counties Conceived in late 1960s by United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and Norwegian A g e n c y f o r I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development (NORAD) Constructed under control of KVDA from 1986 to 1991 Receives water from Suam River originating from Mt. Elgon and covers 66km 2 at full supply level A tunnel 2.8 km links the reservoir to an underground powerhouse Connected to the national grid at Lessos sub-station, through a 230km long power transmission line Outlet from Reservoir (Suam River) joins Wei Wei River at Kaputir to form Turkwel River which empties into Lake Turkana Kitale Town is the biggest market for fish from the reservoir Consumers in Kitale Town prefer tilapia from the reservoir more than that from Lake Turkana Destructive fishing gear (Monofilament, local name Tennis) being used by some fishermen at the reservoir REACH Turkana Stakeholders Meeting Present at the meeting were Turkana County Deputy Governor, CECM for Water Services, Environment and Mineral Resources and CECM for Agriculture Pastoral Economy and Fisheries among other guests By James Last & Vitalis Omire Understanding and responding to climate variability and extremes is essential to develop resilience pathways to the multiple interactions between harsh climate, rapid urban expansion, increasing water demands and high levels of poverty. That was the message during the REACH Turkana Stakeholder Meeting held on Thursday 15th February 2018 at The Cradle Tented Camp in Lodwar Town, Turkana County. The meeting saw presentations from various PhD students sponsored by the programme undertaking scientific studies within Turkana County and Ethiopia. KMFRI was represented by Mr. James Last Keyombe, a Research Scientist and Vitalis Omire, the Media Technician at Lake Turkana Station. The Programme is a partnership between Oxford University and the University of Nairobi. It aims to improve water security for five million poor people in Africa and Asia.

6 Page 5 KMFRI Board Members Visit Lake Turkana Station By John Malala The Audit and Risk Management Committee of the KMFRI Board of Management led by Dr Mary C. Mwiandi visited Lake Turkana Station on 29th January Dr Mwiandi was accompanied by Mr Adhan N. Berhe and Ms Nancy Kagau, both Board Members and Senior Auditor Mr Guchu The main aim of their visit was to conduct an assessment of the office renovation works and inspection of the proposed land at Nataba. The Board Members held a close door meeting with the Station Coordinator together with the Human Resource Officer and provided guidance on a range of issues They later had a meeting with staff, responded to their concerns and assured them of their support in elevating Lake Turkana Station to the same stand ards as KM FR I Headquarters. Thereafter, the Board Members proceeded to Impressa Beach where they were shown the KMFRI Research Vessel (RV Kokine). They then went to Nataba where KMFRI is set to acquire land on the shores of Lake Turkana next to a fresh water spring. They urged the responsible officers to speed up the process of land acquisition to ensure the Station doesn t miss out on developmental funds from the Headquarters. The Board Members later held a meeting with Turkana County Deputy Governor H.E Peter Lotethiro in Lodwar Town where they urged him to collaborate with KMFRI especially in solving the food security challenges in Turkana County among other challenges. KMFRI Board Members together with KMFRI Lake Turkana Station Staff at Impressa Beach on Lake Turkana Scenic view overlooking Central Island National Park from KMFRI land at Nataba Inspection of RV Kokine by Kenya Maritime Authority By Vitalis Omire Mr Edward Mlongo of Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) made an assessment on the compliance of KMFRI s Research Vessel (RV Kokine) to the set safety standards and regulations. This was done on 13th February 2018 at Impressa Beach. The Research Vessel passed the test and will be awarded a compliance certificate by KMA Accompanying Mr Mlongo was Mr John Olando (Fleet Manager, Kenya Wildlife S e r v i c e ) w h o w a s overseeing the inspection of their boat at the same beach. They later paid a courtesy call to KMFRI Lake Turkana Station where they were received by Mr James Opiyo, the Human Resource Officer. Mr James Last Keyombe assisting Mr Edward Mlongo during the boat inspection exercise

7 Page 6 By Casianes Olilo Monitoring Demarcated Fish Breeding Areas in Lake Turkana Increase in human population in Turkana County, a predominantly pastoral economy, has led to many people adopting fishing in Lake Turkana, the largest permanent desert lake characterized by aridity and located in northern arid zone of Kenya. Owing to the declining water level in the Ferguson s Gulf, many fishers have immigrated into Ekoyo BMU area causing overcapacity of the fishery thereby creating management challenges to the nascent BMU. The objective of this study was to monitor the status of demarcated fish breeding areas in Lake Turkana. Participatory demarcation was done at Ekoyo in May 2017 and therefore this was a follow up study to find out if that action led to an improvement in fish breeding and population. The fish sampling exercise was done on 12th March 2018 followed by a community sensitization meeting on the need for protection of fish breeding areas. Both activities were being led by Mr. Casianes Olilo He was assisted by Scientists Maurice Obiero and Chadwick Bironga. Also present were the Technical and Mercantile team led by Mr David Lotulyakou and Vitalis Omire. Documentation of the results is in progress and will be presented to KMFRI Director and other stakeholders upon completion. Collection of fish samples from the breeding site by Mr Lotulyakou and Mr Akwar for analyses in the laboratory Sensitization meeting with net makers and menders at Ekoyo BMU being led by Mr Casianes Olilo assisted by Mr Maurice Obiero, Mr Chadwick Bironga and Mr David Lotulyakou Assisting Turkana County Fisheries Department in Sensitization of Fish Traders By David Lotulyakou Turkana County Fisheries Department undertook a one week sensitization exercise in Kalokol Town from 22nd to 26th January The main aim of the exercise was to educate fish traders especially those owning or operating fish stores on the need to trade in legally accepted fish sizes and also remind them of the fisheries laws. This was necessitated by increased cases of undersize fish being sold in Kalokol Market and some being packaged in the fish stores for export to Congo. There were also allegations that fish traders from Congo were fueling the wanton destruction of Lake Turkana fisheries through encouraging fishing of undersize fish. The team conducting the sensitization exercise was led by Mr Evans Lomodei, Ag. Assistant Deputy Director, Mr Moses Njeru, Sub-County Fisheries Officer among others. KMFRI being a major stakeholder in the fisheries of Lake Turkana was part of the exercise and was represented by Mr David Lotulyakou, a laboratory Technician The traders were given a duration of one month to ensure that they clear all the old stock and thereafter strictly comply with the fisheries regulations.

8 Page 7 Training on Use and Maintenance of New Scientific Equipment By James Last In a bid to improve the quality of research output, KMFRI has procured various scientific equipment for use both in the laboratory and during fieldwork. It is in this regard that a training was conducted for Laboratory Technicians from each Station on use and maintenance of the equipment. The training done from 5 th 9 th February 2018 at Dolphin Hall, KMFRI Headquarters, Mombasa, was facilitated by the distributors who supplied the equipment to KMFRI. Deputy Director Dr Enock Wakwabi who officially closed the workshop cautioned the Technicians against mishandling the equipment since they have been very costly to the Institute and would equally be costly to repair if damaged. The equipment will be distributed equitably among all the KMFRI Stations and Centres so as to bridge the gap that has previously been existing. Mr James Last Keyombe who represented Turkana Station explaining to Dr Wakwabi and other Senior Officers from KMFRI Headquarters how the procured spectrophotometer works Mr Ndirangu showing Dr Wakwabi, Dr Kamau and Mr Mathendu some of the procured equipment. Observing are Mr Okenawa and Mr Obura from Sang oro Station Handing Over Renovated KMFRI Offices By Rodgers Mose KMFRI Lake Turkana Station through a private contractor renovated the Kalokol office block and residential quarters. The exercise also included construction of a new generator house and two toilets. After completion of the two month long renovation works, inspection was done by Mr. Opondo from Public Works and Mr. Malala, The Station Coordinator. The handover of the renovated buildings was then done by Mr Ali, a private contractor, to The Station Coordinator Mr. John Malala and witnessed by Mr Opondo and Mr Rodgers Mose, KMFRI s Procurement Officer at Lake Turkana Station. This was on 8th February 2018 The financial assistance for the renovation works was p rovided by KM FR I Headquarters. L-R: Opondo, Rodgers Mose, James Opiyo, Ali and John Malala during the handover of KMFRI Kalokol Offices

9 Page 8 KMFRI and Turkana County Fisheries Department Pledge to Collaborate By James Last Station Coordinator Mr John Malala and Scientist James Last Keyombe on 23rd February 2018 held a meeting with Turkana County CECM for Agriculture, Pastoral Economy and Fisheries Hon. Chris Imana and Ag. Assistant Deputy Director, Evans Lomodei. The meeting, a continuation of the one held earlier by KMFRI Board Members and Turkana County Deputy Governor, outlined the challenges bedeviling the Lake Turkana fisheries sector, explored possible areas of collaboration between the County Government and KMFRI in both research and policy implementation. Available opportunities such as smart aquaculture and cage culture were also discussed. The two organizations pledged to support each other in execution of their mandates for better management of the fisheries resources within the county. Mr John Malala in a meeting with Turkana County CECM for Agriculture, Pastoral Economy and Fisheries Hon. Chris Imana. Also Present were KMFRI Scientist James Last Keyombe and Turkana County Ag. Assistant Deputy Director, Evans Lomodei Delivery of Scientific Equipment from KMFRI Headquarters By Chadwick Bironga Scientific equipment procured by KMFRI Headquarters for Lake Turkana Station were delivered on 8th March 2018 by a contracted transporter. The equipment which included freezers, oven, spectrophotometer, microscopes, multiparameter meter amongst others will greatly improve the output from the Station. The equipment were offloaded by staff led by the Procurement Officer Mr J o s h u a N y a m a o, L a b o r a t o r y technician, Mr David Lotulyakou, Scientist Mr Chadwick Bironga among others. Previously, Lake Turkana Station has been facing great challenges in meeting its research targets due to lack of basic scientific equipment. With these equipment, Lake Turkana which is the least studied among The African Great Lakes, shall now receive the attention it deserves. The equipment together with the recently delivered vehicle and research vessel will facilitate in-depth studies on Lake Turkana and other aquatic ecosystems within Northern Kenya. Mr Chadwick Bironga, Mr David Lotulyakou and Mr Joshua Nyamao assisting the transporter to offload equipment delivered to Lake Turkana Station from KMFRI Headquarters Verification of the equipment by Mr Joshua Nyamao assisted by Mr Rodgers Mose

10 Page 9 Fisheries Stakeholders Workshop at Eliye Springs By James Last A fisheries stakeholders workshop org an ized by Turkan a County Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Pastoral Economy and Fisheries was held on 27th February 2018 at Napak Hotel, Eliye Springs. The meeting brought together political leaders represented by Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from all the wards bordering western end of Lake T u r k a n a, f i s h e r i e s r e s e a r c h organizations represented by KMFRI, policy implementers represented by the County Fisheries Officers, rep re se nt a t iv es o f Be a ch Management Units (BMUs) and fish traders. The main aim of the workshop was to come up with resolutions that would ensure sustainable exploitation of the fish from Lake Turkana. After a whole day of discussion that went into the night, the representatives were urged to go back to their various BMUs and explain to their members of the importance of fishing using the approved net mesh type and size and also observing other laws guiding fisheries in the lake. KMFRI was represented by John Malala, Casianes Olilo, James Last, David Lotulyakou & Vitalis Omire Mr Evans Lomodei The Ag. Assistant Deputy Director of Fisheries making his remarks during the workshop. To his right is Hon Chris Imana and Director Robert Kibunjia to his left Passing of resolutions by stakeholders present at the workshop Corruption Prevention Boosted in Lake Turkana Station By James Opiyo The first meeting to sensitize KMFRI staff on corruption prevention was held on 5th March 2018 at the Station Coordinator s Office. The meeting which was chaired by Mr Malala saw presentations by the Station Coordinator and Integrity Assurance Officer Mr Casianes Olilo on various ways the Institute is tackling corruption and the responsibilities of every staff in helping achieving set targets. They reiterated that zero tolerance to corruption is one of the virtues that every KMFRI staff is supposed to have. They also shared different channels for reporting any corruption related issue and promised action would be taken. Lake Turkana staff vowed to uphold the highest level of integrity while discharging their duties. They affirmed this t h r o u g h r e c i t i n g t h e anti-corruption anthem. Lake Turkana Station staff during the sensitization meeting held at the Station Coordinator s Office.

11 Page 10 Inspection of Post-Harvest Intervention Facilities at Long'ech and Ekoyo By Maurice Obiero The problem of heavy fish post-harvest losses is a characteristic of Lake Turkana fishery where the fish handling is very rudimentary. KMFRI study estimates the losses arising from physical, fish quality and marketing at over 35% and may reach 100% in two weeks with sundried fish. To reverse this trend, KMFRI introduced two improved fish smoking ovens at Namakoo Beach and Kalokol Market as an attempt to reduce fish losses. Kipedori Long ech and Nangolipus Women Groups were targeted by the two smoking kilns. This was done through implementation of the Performance Contract Target for 2016/2017 financial year. To monitor the effectiveness of the smoking kilns this financial year (2017/2018), building the capacity of the users on good handling practices in fish smoking using the improved oven will be the first priority. Second priority will be conducting smoking trials to establish the effectiveness of the ovens during smoking/drying and storage (shelf life). These activities will be spearheaded by Mr Maurice Obiero who is an expert in fish-post harvest technologies. Maurice, accompanied by other Scientists from Lake Turkana Station, made an inspection of the fish smoking kiln at Long ech and solar dryer at Ekoyo on 24th January His expertise will be very crucial in reducing post-harvest fish losses along Lake Turkana. A commonly used traditional fish smoking kiln at Long ech Mr Maurice Obiero standing next to an improved fish smoking kiln built by KMFRI at Long ech. Procurement of New Office Furniture By Joshua Nyamao For a long time Lake Turkana Station has been lacking modern furniture for use by its staff. It s due to this fact that the station utilized the reconnaissance trip made by researchers to Kitale using the Station vehicle to purchase and transport office furniture. The furniture which included office desks, chairs and cabinets will first be issued to Research and the Registry Departments. The Station Coordinator assured that this would be a continuous exercise and will only be complete when all offices will have received the requisite furniture. Since furniture procurement is an expensive undertaking, the Procurement Officer encouraged the Station Coordinator to explore the possibility of requesting for funding from KMFRI Headquarters for purchase of additional furniture. You don t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great Zig Ziglar

12 Vision A Centre of Excellence in innovative research in marine and fisheries Mission To generate and disseminate scientific information for sustainable utilization of marine and fisheries resources, development of strategic enterprises, food security, employment creation, conservation and restoration of the aquatic environment Core values Integrity, transparency and accountability Professionalism Team work Equity and equality Information sharing Partnerships Sustainable development Enterprising SERVICES/GOODS OUR SERVICES AND PRODUCTS CLIENT REQUIREMENT COST 1 Analytical laboratory services A formal request As per KMFRIES products and services tariff guide 2 Scientific information on marine and fisheries research for sustainable development 3 Technical advice on culture of finfish and aquatic plants 4 Technical advice on fish quality control and value addition TIMELINES 2 weeks A formal request Free 1 week A formal request Free or at a cost 2 weeks A formal request Free or at a cost 2 weeks 5 Training on value addition and aquaculture A formal request Free or at a cost 1 week 6 Technical advisory services on biodiversity conservation and environmental management A formal request Free or at a cost 1 week 7 Advisory services on community development A formal request Free 1 week 8 Dissemination of research findings to stakeholders A formal request Free 1 month 9 Consultancy services A formal request At a cost 2 weeks 10 Hiring services (Boat) A formal request As per KMFRIES products and services tariff guide 11 Student attachment/internship Application letter Pursuing or holds Diploma or Degree in a relevant field Student visa (where applicable) Attachment Diploma Kshs. 1,000 pm Bachelor Kshs 2,000 pm Internship (free) Foreign students USD 100 pm 1 week 1 week 12 Educational visits A formal request Kshs. 2,000 per day 2 weeks Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Lake Turkana Station Address: P.O. Box Lodwar, Kenya turkanacentre@kmfri.co.ke, director@kmfri.co.ke Website: