NYONG’O URGES ZERO-RATING OF FIBREGLASS BOAT MATERIALS TO BOOST BLUE ECONOMY

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has called on the national government to zero-rate taxes on materials used to manufacture fibreglass boats to accelerate Kenya’s transition to safer water vessels and unlock the full potential of the blue economy. Speaking at Kichinjio Beach in Kisumu Central Sub-County during the commissioning of five fibreglass fishing boats, a modern patrol boat, and an upgraded landing site, Nyong’o described the initiative as a paradigm shift aimed at modernising the fishing industry and securing the livelihoods of thousands who depend on Lake Victoria. “Zero-rating fibreglass materials will dramatically lower production costs and allow more fishermen to acquire these boats affordably. This one policy move will spur a rapid, nationwide shift from wooden canoes to safer and more productive vessels,” he said. Nyong'o said the traditional wooden canoes, which have been the backbone of fishing in the region, were no longer fit for purpos,e with the bulk of freak accidents in the lake associated with them. “We honour the heritage, but we must be honest about the limitations. Too many of our sons and brothers have been lost to the unpredictable waters of Lake Victoria. The lake claims an estimated 5,700 lives a year. These new fibreglass boats are engineered for stability, durability, and economic empowerment,” he said.