Fish farming in a region classified as arid and semi-arid in Turkana West Sub-County is expected to go a notch higher after it received a short-in-the-arm from the county government and Lattice Aquaculture project following a donation of water pumps, floaters and generator.

The donation will support the Kakuma Bee Social Integrated Enterprise in north-western Kenya that is largely a desert.

County Aquaculture Officer John Bett noted that Lattice Aquaculture and WFP’s support will accelerate and strengthen aquaculture systems in Turkana West and further develop those in Turkana Central as well.

“Many self-help groups especially women who live far from Lake Turkana see fish farming as a lucrative opportunity. It generates income and provides accessible protein to tackle malnutrition rates,” Bett says.

He added that individuals also with capacity are interested due to the huge market demand. Bett further said, the push for this has been driven by rising demand for fresh fish, fuelled by campaigns promoting fish as a protein-rich food for locals.

Lattice Aquaculture Project Manager Mika Mitoto said the project targets empowerment of women and youth that have invested in fisheries. The organisation is providing access to market.

“We aim to support marginalised groups such as youth and women, integrating host community and refugees in Kakuma. These groups exhibit promise and are poised for growth,” Mitoto explained.

Aneta Idiongo, the Chairperson of Kakuma Bee Social Integrated Farm said they are grateful for the Aquaculture Project and County’s donation. “Demand for fish is high, but production remains our biggest challenge,” she stated.

Other groups the team visited were; St Jude Multi-Purpose and Vijana Twaweza Community-Based Organisation in Kakuma.

Officials from Lattice Aquaculture and county government donate a generator, water pumps and floaters to fishermen in Kakuma.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Peter Gitonga