Kakamega fish farmers over the moon as Joho lands with Ksh188M goodies

The chairman of the Kakamega Fish Farmers Cooperative Society Limited has acknowledged the recent visit by Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho as consequential in improving fish production in the county.

Laban Mwanzo said the visit was significant as it had come at an opportune time when the county is on record as being at the top in fish pond production, supplying the same to other counties.

He also appreciated the grant of Ksh188 million to aquaculture farmers within the county to assist them purchase ponds liners and predator kits among other equipment to improve fish farming and production.

Mwanzo who is also a re-known fish farmer with over 200 fish ponds under his model farm in Malava subcounty, said the county was on the record for producing Tilapia, catfish and ornamental which are the most sought.

“It is a great day as we are also receiving grants to young and upcoming aquaculture farmers within each sub-county and this will assist them embrace the trade as white-collar job opportunities continue to dwindle in the country.  With these grants being put to good use, we will improve our production not only for consumption but also in value addition,” he noted.

He called on the young people to pick up fish farming as it required just a small space to begin.

“Most young people have no land of their own to practice large scale farming and hence aquaculture is the best way to go as one only requires a 300 metres squared space that will house 1000 fingerlings.  And which will mature after six months, fetching one Ksh150, 000 contrary to cane farming that will take two years on an acre for one to earn that kind of cash.

“And you can imagine how much one can make on the same acre if he constructs fish ponds in only six months,” he added.

He also advised those who were interested in practicing fish farming to visit Labedcash Marine Enterprise in Malava subcounty and be trained on fish farming and how to produce locally available fish feeds.

“At Labedcash, we have intern students pursuing aquaculture and agriculture, we have trainers to teach new fish farmers and we do produce Black Soldier Flies (BSF) and Azola as feeds for the fish.

“Considering that fish feeds is more expensive for young upcoming farmers, we have the needed experts on the ground and ready to give directions fish variety rearing,” e noted.

He encouraged more farmers with readily available water source to consider aquaculture as their next income generating activity and also as a source of nutrition as the demand for white meat grows daily.