This archive report was first published on 14 December 2019.
Located in the picturesque Aberdare ranges, Trout Valley is a fish farm that offers a unique experience for visitors. The farm, owned by Gichohi Gachucha, is nestled between two hills in Ihururu village, Tetu, Nyeri County.
According to Gachucha, he started the farm eight years ago, seeing a business opportunity in rearing trout. The area's cool climate is ideal for the fish, which requires clean, cold, and free-flowing water to thrive.
Trout Valley has 12 raceways in a makeshift hatchery, three six-metre diameter ponds, two 12-metre diameter ponds, and four fallows covered with linen used in rearing fish. The farm's ponds have an underground outlet that takes the water back to the river, ensuring the water remains clean.
Visitors to the farm can catch their own fish and have it cooked for them. Gachucha notes that most female customers prefer male trout, while men don't seem to mind.
However, rearing trout is an expensive affair, with costs ranging from Sh150 to Sh200 per fish. Gachucha advises farmers to engage experts to succeed in the business and to assess the area well before placing the ponds.
He also emphasizes the importance of ensuring the farm is designed to allow the water to run back into the river clean, as fish is used as a bio-indicator and cannot live in polluted water.
According to National Trout Hatchery Assistant Director of Fisheries Justus Nyaga, farmers can rear trout in flowing rivers or reservoirs, provided there is clean water. He notes that the fish requires different temperatures at various stages, with an optimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius for the eggs and fries.
Published on December 14, 2019.
