The County Government of Kakamega is set to establish fish Kiosks to be used for the sale of fresh fish obtained from farmers.
The County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives Development Benjamin Andama said the Kiosks which will have coolers will be established in Mumias, Malava and at Kakamega town main Market.
He said the Kiosks will open up more market opportunities for fish farmers to meet the high demand of fish in the county.
Farmers also supply fish to the Kakamega fish processing plant at Lutonyi while others sell through the retail market.
“We are also encouraging fish consumption habits among Kakamega residents for protein and other nutrients,” he pointed out.
According to the CECM, fish farming has improved in the county with over 6000 active fish ponds currently operational.
The county has over 300 000 farmers engaged in different farming activities with fish farming becoming one of their diversification options.
“This is a big area where we are also trying to educate our farmers to embrace as it contributes to food security,” he added.
He said the county government is set to establish an additional 2000 fish ponds during this financial year.
“The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has supported us to establish fish ponds in rural areas through the Aquaculture Business Development Programme(ABDP) which has received positive feedback,” he added.
To support fish farmers, the County government has procured fish feeds worth Sh. 9 million that will be distributed to farmers at a subsidized cost.
The CECM noted that the subsidy programme will cushion farmers from the high costs of fish feeds that have in the past discouraged the majority of them from embracing the enterprise.
“We are working very hard towards implementing Governor Fernandes Barasa Manifesto of Food security for the county. As we all know the cost of feed in the entire country is very expensive,” he noted.
The County Chief Officer for Livestock, Veterinary Services and Fisheries Development Jessica Wesonga said that fish farming is productive, encouraging farmers to take up the challenge of the current high demand for white meat to supply fish to Kakamega residents.
“One thing I want to assure our farmers if you produce fish, there is already a ready market for us in this county and we are also able to export with time,” she disclosed.
By Moses Wekesa
