Nyeri to host donor program for fish farmers worth Sh14.9 billion

Nyeri is one of 15 counties set to benefit from a donor-funded programme to increase fish consumption.

The Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP), which is expected to benefit an estimated 35,000 households, will also target 14 other devolved units in central and western Kenya.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development will fund the project with a Sh4 billion loan. The national Government will contribute Sh3 billion while beneficiary contributions in cash or kind will cover Sh4.3 billion of the Sh14.9 billion budget.

Acting project coordinator Sammy Macaria said the ABDP’s offices would be based in Nyeri with activities expected to start in April.

“We are currently recruiting the programme coordination unit officers and staff for the headquarters,” said Mr Macaria.

Counties targeted are Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado and Meru (in central and eastern regions). In the western region, the project will cover Kisumu, Kisii, Siaya, Busia, Homa Bay, Migori and Kakamega.

“There will be a regional office set up in Kisumu to coordinate project activities in the region,” said Macaria, adding that the goal of the programme was to reduce poverty and malnutrition among small-holder fish farmers.

Kenya’s per capita fish consumption stands at 3.6 kilos per year, while global consumption is 23 kilos per person. “Based on this data, it is clear that the consumption of fish in the country is very low. This could be one of the reasons Kenyans suffer from malnutrition and lifestyle diseases,” said Macaria.

Under the programme, fish farmers will have access to technical support staff who will help them to improve production.

“If you have a fish pond and require quality fingerlings or feeds, we shall connect you with a supplier. When you sell your fish, you can pay us,” said Macaria.