"The increase in the catch makes them stand a chance to benefit from county funds allocation to priority areas, which will boost revenue collection," says Nabil Mjahidi, Fisheries Officer.
According to the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), the fisheries sector in coastal Kenya has the potential to generate more than Sh300 billion annually if all designated fishing zones are fully exploited.
Halima Mbaruk, a widow and mother of four, is a beneficiary of Rukia's vision. As an impressive fishmonger, she has doubled her earnings and even employed seven more youth fish vendors to bolster her profit.
"Through our Pweza group, I have been able to take my children to school, feed and clothe them, and now I have bought a plot that I want to put up commercial rental houses," says Halima.
Sophia Karisa, a procurement committee member for the Pweza Women Group, exemplifies the transformative impact of the KEMFSED project. Trained in procurement and financial management, she has assisted in procuring their modern offshore fishing boat as a group.
The Pweza Women Group now operates a revolving fund that provides members with low-interest loans at favourable repayment terms, allowing women to expand their businesses, pay bills, and educate their children, contributing significantly to achieving sustainable development goals.
"I desire to see women in this society to be self-reliant and independent as a foundation in ending gender-based violence and women marginalisation," says Rukia.
Despite the promising future in the fisheries sector, climate change poses a direct threat to the productivity of marine and coastal fisheries. Rukia has formed a team of 40 individuals, consisting of 20 women and 20 men environmental conservators, to salvage the maritime and promote sustainable fishing practices.
"We are involved in cleaning up the ocean from plastics, restoring mangroves and coral reefs, and educating the fisherfolk community on sustainable fishing practices," says Rukia.
The KEMFSED project has allocated Sh289 million to enhance the management of priority fisheries and mariculture, further training fishermen on sustainable fishing practices, maritime laws and regulations, safety while in the sea, and the effects of illegal fishing, as well as marine conservation practices.
Rukia's commitment extends beyond local borders, as she has expanded market opportunities by partnering with fish traders and fishermen from Tanzania. This not only increases foreign exchange but also creates job opportunities for local youth and women.
"Every year during the high season, I cruise from Tanzanian waters to Kenya to fetch good prices for fish where I make Sh200,000," says Sheib Omar, a fish trader from Pemba, Tanzania.
Rukia stands as a pivotal force, steering Kilifi towards a future where women play a central role in shaping the destiny of their communities and the seas they depend on. With a focus on adopting technology, and reducing post-harvest losses, processing, and value addition, the fisheries sector can contribute immensely to the national economy and food security, supporting Vision 2030.