Uasin Gishu County’s strategic investment in fisheries is delivering tangible results, with Kesses Dam now producing market-sized Nile Tilapia weighing more than two kilogrammes, a clear indicator of the region’s expanding aquaculture potential.
The milestone harvest forms part of the County Government’s broader initiative under Governor, Dr. Jonathan Bii, to bolster the fisheries sector through dam restocking, farmer capacity building, extension services, and enhanced market linkages.
Earlier, Kesses Dam was stocked with 20,000 fingerlings, which have since flourished and grown to commercial sizes.
This growth now offers local communities a viable avenue for income generation, while simultaneously improving access to nutritious food.
Speaking during the Fish for Health initiative held at the County Fisheries offices on Thursday, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Agribusiness, Livestock Development and Fisheries, Dr. Sam Kottut, reaffirmed the County’s dedication to transforming fish farming into a cornerstone of food security and household income.
“The County Government is fully committed to making fish farming a reliable source of food, nutrition, and economic empowerment for our people,” said Dr. Kottut.
The Director of Fisheries, Mr. Cosmas Lang’at, revealed that Uasin Gishu is home to more than 350 community dams, all managed by registered community fish groups.
He noted that the County continues to offer unwavering support to these groups through extension services, training, and technical guidance on dam management, harvesting, and marketing.
“Our support to community fish groups remains steadfast, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools needed to succeed,” Mr. Lang’at stated.
The Deputy Director of Fisheries, Ms. Edna Kemei, disclosed that the County has restocked community dams with a total of 520,000 fingerlings.
She highlighted that fish production from these dams currently ranges between 60 and 80 tonnes annually, generating an estimated KSh21 million in revenue.
“We are not only restocking dams, but also equipping communities with skills in fish production, harvesting, water safety, value addition, and marketing,” Ms. Kemei explained.
“When groups request assistance, we facilitate the harvesting process and connect them with ready markets, ensuring that all proceeds go directly back to the respective community groups,” she added.
Looking ahead, the County is intensifying efforts to scale-up production by providing community fish groups with improved fishing gear and stronger marketing capabilities.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with Governor Bii’s vision of positioning fisheries as a major driver of food security, employment, and income
By Maurice Aluda
generation for residents across Uasin Gishu.
