This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
On September 20, 2019, the Kenyan government, in partnership with six counties, signed a memorandum of understanding to implement the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP), a Sh14 billion initiative to promote fish farming and consumption.
The programme, which has been allocated Sh14 billion by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to increase fish production to 500,000 metric tonnes by 2022 and encourage each Kenyan to consume an average of 10 kilogrammes of fish per year.
According to Fisheries Principal Secretary Micheni Ntiba, the future of fish farming lies in dams, reservoirs, and ponds, rather than natural sources like Lake Victoria, where fish stocks are rapidly declining.
"It is sad to say that every Kenyan consumes an average of 1.5 kilogramme per year. We want this number to increase," said Prof Ntiba.
The governors of the six counties - Meru, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kakamega, Homa Bay, and Migori - welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to boost food security, nutrition, and employment.
"We also want to create wealth from fish farming," said Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
The programme's coordinator, Sam Macharia, announced that fisheries and technical officers have been deployed to the counties to train residents on fish farming.
Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi called for the creation of a one-stop centre for fish farmers, where they can bring their harvest for processing and sale.
The initiative is expected to benefit 15 counties and promote sustainable fish farming practices.
