Success Story 4 - How two boats are recharting Lamu’s fishing future

Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) Programme Anchored in Opportunity: How Two Boats Are Recharting Lamu’s Fishing Future In the turquoise waters off Lamu’s coast, a quiet transformation is beginning— not with fanfare, but with two mid-sized fishing vessels and a bold vision to rewrite the story of artisanal fishing in Kenya. For decades, Lamu’s fishermen have relied on small canoes and seasonal tides, constrained to reef fishing for just a few months each year. But with the Figure 1: SUED’s Team Lead and DSF’s Manager Inspect one of the two arrival of Diamond Seafood boats docket at Mombasa Port Kenya Ltd (DSF) and support from SUED’s seed fund, the tide is expected to turn—literally and figuratively. From Canoes to Commercial Vessels In early 2025, DSF acquired two mid-sized commercial fishing vessels designed for deep-sea crab and squid harvesting. These boats, equipped for pot and jigging methods, are expected to venture beyond the reefs—unlocking fishing grounds previously inaccessible to local crews. Local fishermen will be trained to operate these vessels sustainably, extending their fishing season from four months to nearly ten months annually. This shift is anticipated to provide stable employment and a more secure livelihood. Building Trust, One Catch at a Time Although the processing facility is still in planning, DSF has begun engaging with Beach Management Units (BMUs) and local fisherfolk—offering training and in future will purchase