By Wakhungu Andanje
The chairman of the Kakamega Fish Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited, Laban Mwanzo, has praised the recent visit by the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs as a significant step towards enhancing fish production in the county.
Mwanzo emphasized that the visit came at an opportune time, with Kakamega County already recognized as a leader in fish pond production, supplying fish to other counties. He also welcomed the government’s grant of Ksh.188 million to aquaculture farmers, which will help them acquire pond liners, predator control kits, and other essential resources to enhance fish farming and production.
A seasoned fish farmer with over 200 ponds at his model farm in Malava Sub-county, Mwanzo highlighted that the county is known for producing tilapia, catfish, and ornamental fish. Among these, tilapia and catfish remain the most sought-after for both food and commercial purposes.
“It is a great day, as young and upcoming aquaculture farmers from each sub-county are also receiving grants. This will encourage more youth to embrace fish farming, especially as white-collar job opportunities continue to decline,” Mwanzo stated. “With these grants being used wisely, we will not only increase production for consumption but also for value addition.”
He urged young people to consider fish farming, noting that it requires minimal land to start. “Many young people lack large tracts of land for large-scale farming, making aquaculture a viable option. A small 300-square-meter fish pond can house 1,000 fingerlings, which mature in six months and can fetch Ksh.150,000. Compare that to sugarcane farming, which takes two years on an acre to yield a similar return. Imagine the potential earnings if one were to construct multiple fish ponds on an acre within just six months.”
Mwanzo also advised aspiring fish farmers to visit Labed Cash Marine Enterprise in Malava Sub-county for hands-on training in fish farming and the production of locally sourced fish feeds. “At Labed Cash, we host intern students pursuing aquaculture and agriculture, have trainers to guide new fish farmers, and produce black soldier flies (BSF) and Azolla as cost-effective fish feed alternatives. Given that commercial fish feeds are expensive for young farmers, our experts are available to provide guidance on fish rearing techniques.”
Encouraging more farmers to take up aquaculture, Mwanzo noted that those with a readily available water source should consider fish farming as a profitable venture and a source of nutritious white meat, whose demand continues to rise.
