KISUMU, Kenya – Plans are in full swing as the long-awaited Fish Eating Contest is set to captivate Kisumu, the lakeside city, with grandeur and colour, scheduled for Saturday, 6th December 2025.
The firm commitment is to empower women with the ever-evolving world of digital transformation and entrepreneurial skills through the construction of the first phase of two ICT hubs in Obunga and Muhoroni sub-counties.
Participants are required to pay Sh500 to enjoy a sumptuous meal of countless pieces of fish and partake in a series of topical learning experiences.
On D-Day, some of the issues earmarked for discussion include the conservation of the Lake Victoria ecosystem, which faces serious threats from human-related activities.
Mr Lawrence Apiyo, the Grassroots Trust Coordinator, described the upcoming event as an excellent opportunity to reconnect the Luo community with the fishing industry.
“We want to fundraise towards a women’s project by establishing an ICT Mashinani Hub for the women of Kisumu County. It will take place from 11am to 4pm at Pinecone Hotel,” Opiyo explained.
To address the underrepresentation of women in the digital space, he said the courses are curated to include ICT training skills and to provide a space for learning.
“We want to bring them into this space. They will be able to acquire skills related to business, communication, and advocacy in public life,” he clarified.
According to Mr Opiyo, “We want to see those who really know how to eat fish. The youth leave the flesh, and how fast you can separate the bones.”
He explained that the eventual winners of the contest will receive cash prizes of Sh7,000, Sh5,000, and Sh3,000 for first, second, and third place respectively.
The event will also feature talks and speeches on “how to engage in the fishing industry, how to protect the fish and lake, and befriend the lake as Jonam (fisherfolk).”
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr Paul Rangoro, a Nyalenda community member, flanked by colleagues from Obunga and Manyatta areas working closely with Grassroots Trust, stated; “We have similar ideals which are championed by the organisation and call upon all city residents to turn out in large numbers for the Fish Eating Contest.”
This contest is unique and will significantly contribute to empowering women in their journey of digital transformation.
“We are glad that the ICT hubs will not only improve their entrepreneurship skills but also their online marketing skills,” Rangoro said.
Expressing optimism, Mr Rangoro added that training many women over the next five to ten years will lead to greater knowledge sharing within the local community.
“This has led to the pollution of the lake and a reduction in fish stocks as the number of dependents on the lake continues to rise,” he lamented.
In their effort to reverse this worrying trend, Rangoro urged residents and environmental champions to turn out in large numbers to save Nam Lolwe.
On her part, Janet Akinyi, a Marketing Executive Officer at Pinecone Hotel, expressed her satisfaction with partnering with Grassroots Trust in their noble goal of empowering women.
“Come so that you enjoy a variety of sumptuous meals of fish and traditional ugali,” Opiyo urged.
