Fish farmers go high-tech with new web-based system

Internet Service Provider Liquid Telecom is targeting 30,000 fish farmers in Western Kenya and Nyanza for the launch of its Internet of Things network (IoT).

The new development marks Kenya’s first commercial deployment of the technology, on a large scale.

IoT is basically the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data,

The telecoms service provider said yesterday the technology would be used in monitoring and protecting freshwater fish populations using sensors planted across the region’s fish farms.

“This is one of a series of partnerships we are developing to increase the country’s food security as part of the Government’s Big Four agenda,” said Sajid Ahmad Khan, chief operations officer, Liquid Telecom East Africa.

The project will involve sensors planted in fish farms that will monitor and send information and feeding instructions to farmers through an Android and an iOS app called AquaRech, developed by Kisumu-based innovation hub LakeHub and developers Pinovate. The project is currently at the pilot stage with 10 ponds installed with sensors to monitor water temperature and pH values in ponds with 5,000 Western Kenyan farmers set to receive sensors and the app by the end of this year.

According to Dave Okech, founder of local fish farming group RioFish that is part of the project, the use of the sensors and IoT network will go a long way in determining optimal feeding times, thereby reducing fish deaths and increasing productivity.

“Farmers have been closing down ponds and setting aside fish production as they struggle to feed fish correctly due to changing temperatures and conditions,” said Mr Okech.