Kenyan government sells fish farming idea to 35 counties

Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Linah Kilimo

The Government will introduce fish farming along the Kerio Valley as part of the efforts to enhance food security and household income in the region, Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Linah Kilimo has announced.

She said the project, to be rolled out in 35 other counties, is part of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda on Food Security while also ensuring nutrition security in the country and promote the Blue Economy.

Mrs Kilimo said the government will use secondary schools as model farms and encourage locals to rear fish through the introduction of Aquaponics technology.

Kilimo said the technology which is new in Kenya guarantees return on investment within the first six months of setup noting the county only produces 10 metric tonnes of fish yearly.

“With this new technology which requires very little space, only 10 farmers in a County like Elgeyo Marakwet can produce what the whole County produces in a year in addition to making good money. This is already happening in other counties like Nyeri,” she said.

She explained the innovation involves fish farming integrated with vegetable growing and waste from the fish used as fertilizer in the growth of vegetables ensuring that farmers who rear the fish also have nutritious vegetables to feed their families.

Speaking on Tuesday at Kerio Valley Secondary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kilimo said food insecurity in the region was persistent, pointing out that fish farming could help reverse the problem.

“Kerio Valley region is suitable for various types of fish including Nile tilapia, mudfish, African catfish among other species. The region has many streams and rivers, which can be diverted for fish farming through the construction of fishponds and dams,” said Mrs Kilimo.

“We have also come to spread the good message of eating more fish because fish is highly nutritious and our people need to embrace fish in our household menus to boost our health,” added the CAS.

She said it was time residents along the Kerio Valley get educated on fish farming production which does not get affected by drought conditions.

The CAS said there was a need to organize aquaculture educational meetings in Kerio Valley besides availing fish feeds for those who would embrace fish farming in the region.

“The project to be initiated in all learning institutions will go a long way in helping the students replicate and popularize fish consumption in their localities,” said Mrs Kilimo.

Director Aqua Culture in the Ministry of Agriculture Dr Simon Macharia said that the Government would continue to promote fish ponds and dams in all parts of the country.

“This project will help alleviate the problem of food insecurity in this region. This is why we ask residents here to embrace fish farming,” said Dr Macharia.

Elgeyo Marakwet County Executive Livestock and Fisheries Dr Joseph Kiyeng said the county was conducive for fish farming.