This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
On June 18, 2020, the government launched a project to introduce fish farming in 35 counties as part of President Uhuru Kenyatta's 'Big Four Agenda' on Food Security.
The project aims to enhance food security and household incomes in the region, particularly in the Kerio Valley where fish farming is being introduced.
Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Linah Kilimo said the project will use aquaponics technology, which has proved efficient in fish farming in other countries.
"With this technology which requires very little space, only 10 farmers in a county like Elgeyo Marakwet can produce what the whole country produces in a year," Kilimo explained.
Aquaponics is a form of agriculture that combines raising fish in tanks with soil-less plant culture, providing natural fertiliser for the plants and purifying the water for the fish.
Kilimo encouraged residents to embrace fish farming as it is not affected by drought and many other challenges that come with crop farming.
"Fish consumption is also highly nutritious; we encourage people to embrace healthy eating habits and this is only achievable if we reared the fish in plenty," Kilimo said.
