By S, KNA
Aquaculture is steadily gaining ground in Tindiret Sub-County, where farmers are diversifying from traditional crops to fish farming as a new source of livelihood. With the county government and national agencies encouraging modern fishpond management and offering subsidized inputs, the practice is slowly transforming into a promising agribusiness venture in the region.
Fish farming has seen a steady rise over the past five years, especially among smallholder farmers keen on supplementing their incomes.
The Sub-County Fisheries Officer (SCFO) Jane Rono said more than 200 farmers have established fishponds in different wards. “The demand for fish is growing, and we want our farmers to tap into that market,” she noted.
In Kapchorua village, Peter Sang has been running two ponds since 2021. He says the shift into aquaculture has offered him a steady source of income, particularly during dry seasons when maize farming fails. “With just a small pond, I can harvest fish twice a year and still earn more than from my maize field,” Sang said.
The county government has been supporting farmers with fingerlings and feeds to boost productivity. Tindiret Sub-County Administrator Samuel Kirui said the support is part of a broader plan to promote food security. He added that the initiative is also meant to improve nutrition among local households by increasing access to affordable protein.
But challenges remain. Mary Chepkirui, a farmer from Songhor, said the high cost of quality fish feed limits expansion. “Feeds are expensive, and without them, fish don’t grow fast enough for the market,” she lamented. Although the county occasionally provides fingerlings, she stressed that consistent supply of affordable feed would greatly improve farmers’ returns.
The national government, through the State Department of Fisheries, has also been keen on strengthening aquaculture in Nandi County. Fisheries Officer David Mutai said farmers are now better equipped with training on pond management, water quality monitoring, and marketing. “We are moving from subsistence fish farming to a business-oriented model,” he explained.
To improve access to markets, farmers have begun forming cooperatives. The Kaplelach Fish Farmers Association, chaired by Joseph Kiptoo, pools members’ harvests and supplies fish to hotels, schools, and hospitals. Kiptoo said this collective approach helps them negotiate better prices and avoid exploitation by middlemen.
Environmental factors are also favorable. Rivers and streams across Tindiret provide a reliable water source, making pond maintenance easier. However, fisheries officers caution against over-reliance on natural streams without proper management. “If farmers do not balance use and conservation, we may face depletion in future,” warned Rono.
Youth involvement has been on the rise as well. Brian Koech, a 26-year-old from Chemamul area, said fish farming has given him a new start. “Most young people don’t own large tracts of land, but with just a quarter acre, I’m able to run a fish business,” he said, adding that he hopes to expand into value addition.
Farmers believe aquaculture has untapped potential if infrastructure improves. Without cold storage, many are forced to sell their fish immediately after harvest. Kirui confirmed that the county is exploring ways to set up cold chain facilities and small processing plants.
Looking ahead, stakeholders are optimistic that fish farming will continue to grow in Tindiret Sub-County. With better policies, reliable markets, and increased training, aquaculture could rival traditional cash crops in importance. As Sang put it, “Fish farming is no longer just an experiment here, it is a future we are building for our families.”
