Advanced Technology for Year-Round Production
Equipped with a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), the hatchery will ensure year-round production of high-quality fingerlings. LBDA Managing Director Wycliffe Ochiaga stated that the hatchery will produce 4 million fingerlings per month, which will be sold to farmers at a subsidized price of Ksh. 5, down from the market price of Ksh. 15.
“The availability of affordable, high-quality fingerlings will be a game-changer for fish farmers across the country,” said Ochiaga. “This facility will boost fish production, enhance food security, and create employment opportunities in the aquaculture sector.”
Addressing Kenya’s Fish Shortage
Kenya’s annual fish consumption stands at 600,000 tonnes, but declining natural catches have led to a shortfall of 180,000 metric tonnes. Ochiaga explained that the new hatchery aims to bridge this gap by making fingerlings more accessible to smallholder farmers and commercial fish enterprises.
To enhance technology transfer and capacity building, LBDA has partnered with Aquatec, a leading aquaculture technology firm, to train farmers on modern fish farming techniques such as feed production, fish rearing, water management, and sustainable aquaculture practices.
“Our goal is not just to provide fingerlings but to empower farmers with knowledge and skills to improve fish yields and incomes,” Ochiaga stated.
Marketing and Value Addition for Fish Farmers
LBDA has developed an online marketing platform to help farmers sell their fish and fish products more efficiently. Additionally, the agency is scouting for strategic partnerships to support value addition in the sector.
“We have already partnered with one of the key industry players to add value to fish and curb post-harvest losses,” Ochiaga revealed.
To further support fish farmers, LBDA is constructing a cold chain facility to improve fish storage and market access.
A Boost for Kenya’s Blue Economy
The launch of this high-tech fish hatchery marks a major step toward strengthening Kenya’s blue economy, improving food security, and creating sustainable livelihoods for fish farmers. With advanced technology, strategic partnerships, and farmer training, the initiative is expected to transform the aquaculture industry in Kisumu and beyond.