GUIDING YOUTH AWAY FROM CRIME THROUGH FISHING


In today’s edition of The Environmental Wave, we highlight a story of hope, transformation, and social unity through fishing. Khasim Dzuya, an experienced fisherman and Treasurer of the community-based organization KULAGA CBO – a group focused on fishing and environmental conservation.

Dzuya got involved in the fishing sector due to a lack of funds to pay school fees when he was young. He came to Mombasa in 2011 in search of money to meet his needs and later joined elderly fishermen in Junda who took him under their wing and taught him how to fish at a young age. In 2012, he went back to high school to further his education while continuing his fishing activities, despite challenges such as transport issues to and from school.

After finishing high school, Khamis fully committed to fishing activities and rose to the position of Treasurer within the Kiluga CBO group.

For a long time, many youth in the Coastal region – especially in Junda and nearby areas – have struggled with unemployment, which has pushed some into criminal activities such as theft and drug abuse. However, through the efforts of community members like Khasim Dzuya and KULAGA CBO, things have started to change.

“We saw many young people getting lost, getting involved in crime and drugs,” says Khasim. “We decided to launch a program to involve them in fishing and equip them with legitimate skills to earn a living.”

Through KULAGA CBO, youth are trained in sustainable fishing methods, safe use of fishing tools, and ways to add value to fish such as processing and making fish products (like dried fish). This has helped them step away from risky lifestyles and focus on constructive activities.

“Fishing is not just a source of food, it's employment, it’s health, it’s life,” Khasim said

In this fishing venture, Hamisi shares the challenges they face. The first challenge is that some of the youth they aim to help are unwilling to accept help and often look down on fishing as a profession.

Secondly, there is a lack of safety equipment such as life jackets and first aid kits, and there aren’t enough fishing boats to support all the activities.

Third, environmental pollution is a major issue. While fishing, they encounter a lot of waste such as diapers, which reduce oxygen levels in the water and cause fish to die.

Lastly, climate change caused by deforestation limits the earth’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

The types of fish they catch include red snappers, changu, snakefish, and prawns.

Red Snappers

Through collaboration with environmental organizations, local councils, and community groups, KULAGA CBO has managed to acquire modern equipment, boats, and even business training for the youth involved in the program. The youth are also fully trained in fishing and are issued licenses.


The story of Khasim Dzuya and the work of KULAGA CBO is a living example of how community leadership can change lives. In every ocean wave, the youth of Junda now see opportunity instead of danger. It is proof that fishing can be a reliable path to guide a new generation from crime to a life of dignity and success.

“If you protect the environment, you protect the fish.
If you protect the fish, you protect the lives of future generations,” he says.

Changu fish

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