Kakamega: Residents of Kakamega have expressed strong support for the proposed establishment of a research and Farmers' Training Centre by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). The initiative aims to create employment opportunities, offer training to farmers, and enhance household incomes through improved fish farming practices.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project was discussed during a public participation forum organized by the Kakamega County Assembly. Bernard Mulama, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Lumakanda Ward, emphasized the benefits of improved fish breeds for local farmers. James Etabale, the MCA for Kisa North and County Assembly Committee Chair for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development, highlighted how the Centre would help the county tap into the blue economy.
Isaac Jirau, a resident of Likuyani, urged KMFRI to expedite the project's establishment and requested the county government to provide land. Nancy Obilo from Lurambi expressed enthusiasm about the job opportunities and training prospects the Centre would offer to the youth in the aquaculture sector. Meanwhile, Zeddy Gilbert from Mumias called for KMFRI's support in reviving stalled fish ponds to benefit more residents.
KMFRI plans to establish a comprehensive facility comprising a Research Facility, Farmers Training Centre, and Technologies Demonstration Centre to enhance aquaculture. This initiative aims to revolutionize the aquaculture industry by promoting Modern Technologies, Innovations, and Management Practices (TIMPS) for sustainable development.
The Centre is expected to supply Kakamega farmers with high-quality fingerlings, fish feeds, and seed production for restocking depleted areas, creating employment opportunities in the process. Increased investments in aquaculture are anticipated to provide alternative livelihoods, diversify species, boost ecotourism, and enhance food security at the county level.
Support from KMFRI is likely to encourage more farmers to explore fish farming, potentially increasing household incomes through aquaculture. A baseline survey conducted by KMFRI indicates that Kakamega has over 6,000 fish ponds, with additional potential from dams and Small Water Bodies (SWB) like River Yala, Nzoia, and Isiukhu.
KMFRI seeks partnerships for technical support from countries like China, the Philippines, Canada, the USA, and Israel, which have similar facilities and can offer expert technical assistance and training. The project report, presented during the public participation forum, also mentions the pursuit of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to sustain development, growth of the venture, and expansion of hatcheries.
Kakamega is set to become the fourth county to host the project after Kwale, Tharaka Nithi, and Laikipia Counties, where similar projects are underway. In Kwale, the National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre is being developed on 15 acres for Sh 1.88 billion, funded by the National Government and World Bank as part of Blue Economy Flagship projects.
In Laikipia, the county government allocated 43 acres for the Laikipia Aquaculture Research and Farmers Training Centre, serving the Ewaso Ng'iro North River Basin. Meanwhile, Tharaka Nithi County allocated an initial 10 acres for the National Riverine Aquaculture Research and Farmers Training Centre, with plans for an additional 20 acres for a Technologies Demonstration Centre along the Mutonga River.
Both counties' centres will feature a marine hatchery, laboratories, a training resource center, and other facilities. KMFRI proposes similar centres in Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Trans Nzoia, Lamu, Uasin Gishu, Migori, Bungoma, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Tana River, Turkana, Mandera, Busia, and Baringo counties, identified as potential fisheries and aquaculture frontiers.