Vihiga: Vihiga County government has received a Sh69,760,000 grant from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) to enhance aquaculture efforts. Speaking at the Vihiga County Government headquarters during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the National Government and Vihiga County Government, the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho, emphasized the importance of aquaculture as a crucial sector for the country’s economy.
According to Kenya News Agency, Joho highlighted that the grant would benefit many youths and women by enabling them to become self-employed through fish farming. This initiative is expected to not only provide employment opportunities but also contribute to improving the local economy. Joho urged residents to engage more in fish farming to ensure food security, as it allows them to have sufficient food and sell any surplus.
Joho encouraged fish farmers to meet the global demand for aquaculture by exporting fish, particularly to countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has a significant demand for Kenyan tilapia. He also advised farmers to explore ways of producing fish feeds locally to reduce costs and boost production.
Vihiga County Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo expressed gratitude to the Cabinet Secretary and NORAD for the grant. He assured that Vihiga County fish farmers have the capacity to effectively utilize the funds and requested additional support in the future, given the county’s high potential for aquaculture. He mentioned that the county has a fish hatchery and an aquaculture training center at Mwitokho, which would benefit local farmers and residents.
Governor Ottichilo noted that 3,000 youths have been trained in agribusiness, and 175 youths have been prepared to become Agri-preneurs to further promote aquaculture in Vihiga County. Additionally, 450 fish farmers have been identified across the county to benefit from the grant.
Amuganda Hughlogia, a young fish farmer and grant beneficiary, expressed appreciation to the National Government, County Government, and NORAD for their support. He pledged to work diligently to enhance aquaculture in the region.