Meru fish farmers rue delayed fish processor

PHOTO:COURTESY

The Sh60 million Kanyekine Fish Factory is yet to begin operations, a year after it was handed to the county government.

 Agriculture Committee members, in a report tabled in the House on Thursday, said fish farmers were frustrated as they were forced to sell their produce at throwaway prices.

 Abogeta East MCA Gideon Kimathi had sought a statement on the status of the factory after the Kenya Aquaculture Association (Meru branch) expressed frustration over the delay in commencing fish processing. 

Abothuguchi West MCA Daniel Kiogora said annual production in Meru stands at 66,000 metric tonnes of fish, but disillusioned farmers were abandoning the practice because of lack of reliable market.

"The farmers have nowhere to deliver their fish and are opting for crop production," said Kiogora.