Economic and sociological distinctiveness of fish workers in Western Kenya

Abstract

This paper analyzes and discusses the socio-economic characteristics of fish workers, with a focus on
those based on the Kenyan shores of Lake Victoria. In particular, the paper considers the
characteristics of fish workers in general and by type of fish work, beach location and income
diversification strategy. Although, many characteristics of the fish workers were identified, six
characteristics stood out: (1) 20% of the fish workers had secondary education, while 80% had primary
or no formal education; (2) a fish worker had an average of seven dependents; (3) 98% of the fishers
were males, while 83% of fish traders were females; (4) around 26% of fish workers had diversified their
income; (5) 64% of the fish workers lived below the poverty line; and (6) fish workers who diversified
income had lower incidence and depth of poverty. The results implied that income diversification is a
potential way out of poverty among fish workers.