Kakamega: The Government has allocated Sh124 million in grants to fish farmers across 15 counties under the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP). This initiative aims to bolster small-holder farmer sustainability and profitability in the fish farming sector.
According to Kenya News Agency, ABDP is a collaborative effort between the Kenyan government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The programme targets Small Holder Aquaculture Groups (SAGs), Aquaculture Support Enterprises (ASEs), and Aquaculture Field Schools (AFSs) to enhance the aquaculture value chain, from production to marketing.
The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, officiated the grant distribution. Kakamega County received Sh18.17 million, set to benefit 2,944 farmers. Joho highlighted that ABDP has invested over Sh257 million in Kakamega since its inception, funding pond liners, predator kits, construction of a fresh fish market, and the distribution of fingerlings and fish feeds.
Joho announced that the government plans to secure Sh329 million in grants for phase two of the programme. He emphasized the importance of continued proposal submissions to IFAD to demonstrate the programme’s impact.
The government is also investing Sh1.6 billion to construct landing sites with ice-making and cooling systems in Lake counties and coastal regions. Additionally, Sh70 million will be used to build fish markets in 10 counties, enhancing market access for fish farmers.
Joho noted that Sh100 million will be allocated to improve fingerling production, and Sh359 million will support alternative livelihoods in the lake region through cage procurement and fish feeding programmes.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa welcomed the grants, acknowledging ABDP’s role in revitalizing fish farming in the area. He reported that since the programme’s start, 2,885 level 1 farmers have received essential farming kits and support, leading to the establishment of 87 Aquaculture Smallholder Groups and 90 Aquaculture Small Enterprises.
Governor Barasa also mentioned the enhancement of fishery extension services, including the provision of vehicles, motorcycles, and a fishing boat at Lumino dam. He expressed optimism about phase two of the ABDP, which will focus on fish marketing and sustainability to create jobs and foster entrepreneurship.