This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
On July 19, 2020, the government announced plans to invest KSh15 billion in an initiative aimed at boosting fish farming in 15 counties.
The effort is part of a broader strategy to double fish consumption per capita in the country over the next ten years, from the current 4.5 kilograms to a target of 10 kilograms by 2030.
According to Professor Muchemi Ntiba, the Fisheries Secretary, the government will provide up to 70% of the funds required for a fish farm, while the farmers will cover the remaining 30%.
This project is expected to double fish production and provide opportunities for over 35,000 households in the fish value chain.
Counties in the Western and Mount Kenya region are set to benefit the most from the initiative.
Mismanagement and Poor Taxation Hinder Kenya's Fish Farming ¶
Despite the government's previous identification of fish farming as a key economic driver under the 2009 economic stimulus program, the project failed due to mismanagement.
Furthermore, an investigation by the Daily Nation revealed that the Cess tax, a tax for the movement of agricultural goods, is killing Kenya's fish farming.
According to the Daily Nation, the Cess tax ranging from KSh30 to KSh300 charged at multiple points in transit routes causes multiple taxations on fish farmers, leading to delays and fish rotting en route to Nairobi.
