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Government Issues Sh124 Million Grants to Fish Farmers: Boosting Aquaculture and Economic Growth

The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has issued a grant worth Sh124 million to fish farmers in 15 counties across the country. This initiative is part of the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP), which aims to foster sustainable smallholder fish farming and improve the livelihoods of individuals involved in the sector. Through the grant, the government intends to support various stages of the fish farming value chain, from production and pond development to fish feed production, value addition, and transportation.

The ABDP, a program jointly funded by the Kenyan government and IFAD, has been instrumental in empowering smallholder aquaculture groups (SAGs), which include youth and women groups, as well as Aquaculture Support Enterprises (ASEs) and Aquaculture Field Schools (AFSs). The program’s focus is to ensure that smallholder farmers not only survive but thrive in the competitive and often unpredictable aquaculture sector.

Supporting Fish Farmers Across the Country

The grant, which targets smallholder fish farmers, will benefit thousands of individuals across Kenya, including over 2,944 farmers in Kakamega County alone. The grants are designed to enhance production capabilities, ensure quality standards, and improve access to markets for fish farmers. The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, presided over the issuance of the cheques during a ceremony held in Kakamega County, where the Sh124 million grant was officially launched.

Kakamega County, one of the primary beneficiaries, received a grant of Sh18,170,000. Joho disclosed that since the inception of the ABDP program, the government has invested more than Sh257 million in Kakamega County alone. This investment has funded a variety of key initiatives aimed at bolstering the local fish farming industry, including the provision of pond liners, predator kits worth approximately Sh188 million, the construction of the Kakamega fresh fish market at a cost of Sh10 million, and the issuance of high-quality fingerlings valued at Sh18 million. Additionally, the program has supplied fish feed worth Sh41 million.

Joho’s address highlighted the government’s continued commitment to supporting the aquaculture sector, stating, “What we are launching today is a Sh124 million grant, and we anticipate that in phase 2, we will have around Sh329 million in grants.” He encouraged farmers to continue submitting proposals that can demonstrate the impact of the program and help secure further funding from IFAD.

Expanding Investments in the Blue Economy

Joho underscored the government’s dedication to boosting the blue economy, a sector that encompasses marine resources and aquatic ecosystems, including aquaculture. “Aquaculture is a new frontier, and it is not only about food security; it is crucial in job creation and wealth generation,” he emphasized. The government has earmarked significant investments in the blue economy, including Sh1.6 billion for the construction of fish landing sites and infrastructure improvements across the coastal regions and Lake counties.

In addition to these investments, the government is also funding the construction of 10 fish markets in different counties at a cost of Sh70 million. Joho stressed the importance of developing markets that can support increased production levels, thereby ensuring that fish farmers have access to a sustainable and profitable market for their products.

Furthermore, the government is planning an investment of Sh100 million to support the production of high-quality fingerlings, which will help fish farmers address the common challenges they face in sourcing fingerlings for their ponds. Joho explained that the initiative will be particularly beneficial to farmers struggling with the quality and availability of fingerlings.

Continued Support for Lake Region Fish Farmers

One of the key areas of focus for the ABDP is to provide alternative livelihoods for communities living around Kenya’s lakes, which are often heavily reliant on traditional fishing practices. In a bid to enhance the aquaculture sector in these regions, the government has allocated Sh359 million for the procurement of cages for fish farming. These cages will be distributed to farmers in the Lake region, providing them with the necessary tools to diversify their fish farming practices and ensure sustainability.

“We are giving farmers cages, fingerlings, and support for fish feeding programs to ensure that they have the necessary resources to succeed,” Joho remarked. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to revitalize aquaculture in the Lake region, where traditional fishing practices have faced challenges due to overfishing and fluctuating fish stocks.

The government’s investments also include a Sh1.8 billion allocation to continue supporting pond liners and predator nets, ensuring that fish farmers have the necessary resources to protect their investments. Joho emphasized the importance of delivering these materials in a timely manner and ensuring they reach the right beneficiaries, ensuring that the program’s impact is maximized.

Support from Local Leaders

Local leaders, including Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa, have lauded the impact of the ABDP on the region’s fish farming sector. Governor Barasa noted that the ABDP program has been instrumental in reinventing fish farming in the county, emphasizing the importance of the program in transforming the lives of local farmers.

Since the program’s launch, Kakamega County has seen the establishment of 87 Aquaculture Smallholder Groups (ASGs) and 90 Aquaculture Small Enterprises (ASEs), which have been registered and are operational. These groups and enterprises provide a collective platform for farmers to access resources, share knowledge, and collaborate in the pursuit of better production and marketing practices.

Governor Barasa also highlighted that the ABDP has improved the county’s fishery extension services, making it easier for farmers to access guidance and technical support. The program has provided vehicles and motorcycles for extension workers, enhancing their ability to reach remote areas and offer support. Additionally, a fishing boat has been provided at Lumino Dam in Likuyani Sub County, further optimizing the region’s fishery activities.

The construction of a fresh fish market in Masingo, Lurambi Sub County, is another key achievement of the program. Governor Barasa expressed optimism that the next phase of the ABDP will focus on fish marketing, profitability, and sustainability. “I am optimistic that this phase will create more jobs, entrench a culture of entrepreneurship, and raise revenue for the county,” he said.

The Future of Aquaculture in Kenya

The success of the ABDP program in supporting smallholder fish farmers in Kenya highlights the potential for aquaculture to become a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the country. With the growing demand for fish as a source of protein, both locally and internationally, the aquaculture sector presents a unique opportunity for Kenya to expand its agricultural exports and improve food security.

As the government continues to roll out its support for fish farmers, the focus will shift toward improving the marketability of farmed fish and ensuring that farmers can maximize their profits. This will involve creating robust supply chains, enhancing processing facilities, and building stronger linkages between producers and consumers.

Additionally, addressing challenges such as climate change, water quality management, and access to finance will be crucial in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector. With the right investments in infrastructure, technology, and education, Kenya’s aquaculture industry can thrive, providing a steady source of income for farmers and contributing to the country’s overall economic growth.

In conclusion, the issuance of Sh124 million in grants to fish farmers marks a significant step toward empowering smallholder farmers in Kenya’s aquaculture sector. Through initiatives like the ABDP, the government is helping to create sustainable livelihoods, enhance food security, and stimulate economic growth. As the program progresses into its next phase, it is expected to bring about further improvements in the sector, with a particular focus on profitability, sustainability, and market access. With continued support and strategic investments, Kenya’s aquaculture industry has the potential to play a leading role in the country’s economic transformation.

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photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

30th January, 2025

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