Proposed establishment of a research and farmers training centre by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in Kakamega County has received massive public support on the back data that show the county currently leads in production of fish in the country.

Interest in the fast-expanding blue economy sector in the region is informed by high prospects of employment opportunities and food security by training farmers and in turn leading to increased household incomes through improved fish farming practices.

A non-governmental organisation, Green Life, report points out: “The forecast for aquaculture in Kenya is largely positive. In 2025, the Kenyan population is estimated to be 56 million people. Assuming that the average consumption per capita remains at 4.3 kilogrammes per capita, this implies a total estimated consumption of 241,000 tonnes of fish in 2025.”

However, with demand estimated at 700,000 metric tonnes per annum, the Green Life projection shows there will be a deficit of approximately 300,000 metric tonnes, which the national government is keen to bridge.

The Kenyan aquaculture sector is broadly categorised into freshwater aquaculture and mariculture (ocean or sea). The freshwater aquaculture has recorded significant progress over the last decade but the mariculture sector has yet to be fully exploited.

Speaking during a public participation forum organised by the Kakamega County Assembly Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Lumakanda Bernard Mulama said farmers will benefit from improved fish breeds. Kisa North MCA James Etabale, who is also the County Assembly Committee Chair for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development said the centre will enable the county to understand the workings of blue economy better and how to benefit from it.

Isaac Jirau, a resident from Likuyani appealed to KMFRI to start work on the project as fast as possible and further requested the county government to make land available. Nancy Obilo from Lurambi expressed excitement that the centre will open up job opportunities for the youth and also provide opportunities for training in the aquaculture sector.

Zeddy Gilbert, a resident of Mumias, asked KMFRI to consider supporting the revival of stalled fish ponds. The proposed KMFRI centre will consist of an expansive research facility, farmers training centre and technologies demonstration centre. It is set to transform the aquaculture industry by upscaling modern technologies, innovations and management practices (TIMPS) to realise sustainable development.

The centre will support farmers with high-quality fingerlings, fish feeds, seed production for restocking depleted areas and creating employment opportunities for the region’s burgeoning young population.

The county will also benefit from increased investments in aquaculture to create alternative sources of livelihood, expansion of other high-value species, ecotourism and increased food security. In addition, support from KMFRI will encourage more farmers to venture into fish farming that would lead to increased household incomes.

According to a baseline survey conducted by KMFRI, Kakamega has over 6,000 fishponds with other potential fish sources being dams and small water bodies (SWB) like River Yala, Nzoia and Isiukhu and others.

“KMFRI carried out a baseline research in selected SWBs and dams in Kakamega to establish their biological, ecological and socioeconomic carrying capacities for species introductions. The study identified the small water bodies with potential for aquaculture and established the carrying capacity for fish production in each SWB,” the report reads in part.

KMFRI is seeking partnerships for technical support from China, Philippines, Canada, United States of America (USA) and Israel that have similar facilities for provision of expert technical assistance and training.

“Public private partnerships (PPP) will be sought to sustain the development and growth of the venture and expansion of hatcheries. Consultancies to develop business cases will be sought with local universities engaging on training in business development,” according to the project report made public during the public participation forum.

Kakamega becomes the fourth county where the project will be launched after Kwale, Tharaka Nithi and Laikipia counties.

In Kwale, KMFRI has set up the National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre (NAMARET Centre) on 15 acres of land at a cost of Ksh1.88 billion ($14 million) being financed by the national government and World Bank as part of Blue Economy Flagship projects. In Laikipia, the county government has allocated 43 acres of land to KMFRI for the Laikipia Aquaculture Research and Farmers Training Centre, which will serve the entire Ewaso Ng’iro North River Basin.

In Tharaka Nithi County, KMFRI according to the report was allocated an initial 10 acres for establishment of the National Riverine Aquaculture Research and Farmers Training Centre. The county government is processing another 20 acres to the project for establishment of the Technologies Demonstration Centre along Mutonga River.

In both counties, the centres will incorporate a marine hatchery, wet and dry laboratory, training resource centre, administration block, accommodation, museum and nature trail.

The Institute is proposing to establish other similar centres in Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Trans Nzoia, Lamu, Uasin Gishu, Migori, Bungoma, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Tana River, Turkana, Mandera, Busia, Baringo counties which are considered potential fisheries and aquaculture frontiers.

Kakamega residents during a public participation forum, at Kakamega Social Hall on Monday, on the proposed establishment of a research and Farmers Training Centre by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Moses Wekesa