County eyes export markets with Sh69m fish project

Vihiga County has unveiled a Sh69 million programme to boost fish farming with an eye on the export market.Making a significant progress in boosting fish production as it seeks to become a net exporter of fish products.

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries has mapped out 450 individuals to serve as model farmers for the initiative.

Through the project, smallholder farmers will receive grants that will enable them to construct fish ponds, stock them and carry out value addition after harvesting their fish.

The initiative is in partnership with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and Advancing Resilient Nutrition-Sensitive Aquaculture (ARNSA).

Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo said the initiative represents a transformative effort to harness the potential of aquaculture as a sustainable economic driver.

“In addition to creating jobs and boosting local incomes, the project is anticipated to position Vihiga County as a key player in the global fish export market,” Mr Ottichilo said.

The programme seeks to tap into the lucrative global demand for fish exports, promote value addition for agribusiness, and involve youth and women in aquaculture activities.

Apart from the 450 beneficiaries from various parts of the county, two schools—Moi Girls Vokoli and Nyang’ori Boys—have also been identified to pilot the project.

The county has put up the Mwitoko Fish Hatchery and Training Centre in Luanda Sub-County.

This state-of-the-art facility, the governor said, is central to the county’s efforts to bolster fish farming. 

It serves as a hub for training farmers, producing fingerlings, and advancing aquaculture technologies.

Governor Ottichilo highlighted the facility’s significance during the signing ceremony, describing it as a model for aquaculture in the region and its readiness to offer fingerlings to the 450 farmers.

“We have a model farm at Mwitoko, which is a centre for training and hatchery of fingerlings. Diversification provides farmers with alternatives so that if one economic activity fails, another may succeed,” he said.

The Mwitoko Fish Hatchery can supply over 300,000 fingerlings annually, playing a critical role in scaling up fish production.

Currently, the facility boasts 40 fully stocked ponds with tilapia and catfish varieties.

He said the centre will also serve farmers from neighbouring counties. 

Governor Ottichilo underscored the program’s potential to transform the livelihoods of residents.

“The partnership signifies our dedication to sustainable fish farming and empowering our communities. We want Vihiga to set the standard for aquaculture development in Kenya,” he said.

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho hailed the initiative, saying it would be critical in addressing food security and increasing the country’s capability to export quality fish to other nations.

“Kenya is known for crop exportation, but we are hopeful we will be exporting fish and its products into the global space,” said Mr Joho.

He urged more farmers to venture into aquaculture, terming it a climate-resilient economic activity. “Aquaculture is very critical to our economy as it is sustainable in any climatic change,” the CS said.