Fish farming project meant to create 120,000 jobs mooted

The first phase of a government project meant to create 120,000 jobs and boost food security through fish farming has started.

The Ministry of Fisheries had earlier placed adverts in local dailies requesting youth groups interested in the project to forward applications.

Under the programme, the government plans to create economic opportunities through a Sh1.1 billion stimulus package to be channelled through youth groups at the constituency level.

“We are waiting for Treasury to release the money and as soon as we have the funds, construction should begin next month and stocking of the ponds should begin by December,” fish inspection and quality assurance (FIQA) assistant director Okumu Makogola says.

The money is to be shared among 140 constituencies, translating to Sh8 million per constituency for the construction of 200 ponds.

But the payment is subject to approval by district fisheries officers, who will inspect the ponds to ensure they meet set standards.

To create gender equity, the youth groups must include members of both genders to the tune of 30 per cent.

Mr Makogola says that in addition to trying to alleviate poverty, the ministry hopes that the programme will foster fish farming as this would give sources such as Lake Victoria time to replenish their stocks which have been dwindling due to overfishing.

Lack of extension services, quality fingerlings, and insufficient training for extension workers have led to the decline of the industry.

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI) deputy director Richard Abila says that the government is not trying to reinvent the wheel.

“This is something new because it’s the first time the government is giving so much money, young people should take advantage of the programme,” Dr Abila says.

Inland fish sources

The Kenyan fish market is fed by inland sources to the tune of 60 per cent, with Lake Victoria being the biggest supplier.

Over the years, as East Africa’s largest fish source has been running low on stocks, demand for the delicacy has been rising.

Fish harvested from the government-led programme has potential to satisfy the market, according the Dr Abila.

The research institution has already carried out a preliminary survey to identify areas within the constituencies that have the highest potential for bountiful harvests.

Should the young farmers be successful, they will benefit from stable prices, according to Duncan Kakoro from Highridge Butchery who says that when compared with prices for other meats such as chicken and beef, fish prices are the most stable.

“Fish prices are relatively moderate throughout the year, although they fluctuate the margins are not big,” Mr Kakoro says.

A kilo of tilapia goes for an average of Sh250, but when filleted the price rises to Sh500, according to Mr Kakoro.   

Dr Abila advises entrepreneurs to farm species depending on the area where one is based, given that fish takes a longer maturity time in cooler areas such as Central Kenya where a species such as trout would do better than the Nile Tilapia.