Sh600m fishponds to ease pressure on Lake Victoria

By Peter Atsiaya

Fisheries Minister Paul Otuoma says over Sh600 million has been spent to construct fishponds across the country.

Dr Otuoma said the money was part of Sh1.1 billion allocated to the ministry for the project aimed at promoting aquaculture.

"280,000 fishponds have been constructed and the same number of people employed under the programme," he said.

Otuoma said the response from locals, especially youth, after the programme was launched has been overwhelming. The Funyula MP was speaking on Wednesday at Western Kenya Fisheries management offices in Kisumu after a meeting with the ministry’s staff to review phase one of the programme.

He said beneficiaries of the funds who fail to set up fishponds that meet required standards would be disciplined.

He added that once the programme is complete and village start harvesting fish, it would ease pressure Lake Victoria was facing from fishermen.

"This programme is part of Government’s measures to relieve the pressure on our natural water resources," said Otuoma.

He pointed out that programme would promote fish consumption among Kenyans, apart from spurring economic development.