Residents of Kakamega have supported the proposed establishment of a research and Farmers’ Training Centre by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).
They said the project would create employment opportunities, provide training to farmers and lead to increased household incomes through improved fish farming practices.
Speaking during a public participation forum organized by the Kakamega County Assembly, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Lumakanda Ward, Bernard Mulama, said farmers will benefit from improved fish breeds.
The MCA for Kisa North, James Etabale, who is also the County Assembly Committee Chair for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, said the Centre will enable the county to understand the blue economy and how to benefit from it.
Isaac Jirau, a resident from Likuyani asked KMFRI to start establishing the project as fast as possible and further requested the county government to avail land.
Nancy Obilo from Lurambi expressed excitement that the Centre will open up job opportunities for the youth and also provide opportunities for training in the aquaculture sector.
Zeddy Gilbert, a resident from Mumias, asked KMFRI to consider supporting the revival of stalled fish ponds in order to benefit more residents.
KMFRI has proposed that the Centre consist of an expansive Research Facility, Farmers Training Centre and Technologies Demonstration Centre to boost aquaculture.
It is set to transform the aquaculture industry by upscaling Modern Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPS) to realize sustainable development.
The Centre will support Kakamega Farmers with high-quality fingerlings, fish feeds, seed production for restocking depleted areas and create employment opportunities.
The County will also benefit from increased investments in aquaculture to create alternative sources of livelihood, expansion of other high-value species, ecotourism and increased food security.
In addition, support from KMFRI will encourage more farmers to venture into fish farming, which would lead to increased incomes at household level from aquaculture.
According to a baseline survey conducted by KMFRI, Kakamega has over 6,000 fishponds with other potential fish sources being dams and Small Water Bodies (SWB) like River Yala, Nzoia and Isiukhu.
“KMFRI carried out baseline research in selected SWBs and dams in Kakamega to establish their biological, ecological, and socioeconomic carrying capacities for species introductions. The study identified the small water bodies with potential for aquaculture and established the carrying capacity for fish production in each SWB,” the report reads in part.
KMFRI is seeking partnerships for technical support from China, Philippines, Canada, the United States of America (USA) and Israel that have similar facilities for the provision of expert technical assistance and training.
“Public Private Partnerships (PPP) will be sought to sustain the development and growth of the venture and expansion of hatcheries. Consultancies to develop business cases will be sought with local universities engaging on training in business development,” states the project report availed to the public during the public participation forum.
Kakamega becomes the fourth county where the project is to be established after Kwale, Tharaka Nithi and Laikipia Counties, where the establishment of the project is ongoing.
In Kwale, KMFRI is establishing the National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre (NAMARET Centre) on 15 acres of land for Sh 1.88 billion, being financed by the National Government and World Bank as part of Blue Economy Flagship projects.
On the other hand, the county government of Laikipia allocated 43 acres to KMFRI for the establishment of Laikipia Aquaculture Research and Farmers Training Centre, which will serve the entire Ewaso Ng’iro North River Basin.
In Tharaka Nithi County, KMFRI, according to the report, was allocated an initial 10 acres for the establishment of the National Riverine Aquaculture Research and Farmers Training Centre. The County government is processing another 20 acres to the project for the establishment of the Technologies Demonstration Centre along the Mutonga River.
In both counties, the centres will incorporate a marine hatchery, wet and dry laboratory, training resource center, administration block, accommodation, museum and nature trail.
The Institute is proposing to establish other similar centres in Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Trans Nzoia, Lamu, Uasin Gishu, Migori, Bungoma, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Tana River, Turkana, Mandera, Busia, Baringo counties, which are considered potential fisheries and aquaculture frontiers.
By Moses Wekesa
