𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐊𝐒𝐡 𝟏 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐌𝐅𝐑𝐈 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Kakamega Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa has expressed strong support for the establishment of a Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) Research and Training Centre in the county, saying the project aligns with his administration’s agenda on food security, youth empowerment, and wealth creation.

The Governor met KMFRI officials, led by Director of Socioeconomics Research Dr. Jacob Ochiewo, this afternoon at his office in Kakamega, shortly after the completion of a public participation forum where residents overwhelmingly backed the proposed initiative.

Governor Barasa said the project presents a transformative opportunity to advance aquaculture in Kakamega by equipping farmers with modern skills, improving fish production, and promoting value addition.

“This initiative fits squarely within our county’s development priorities, creating employment for our youth, boosting household incomes, and securing sustainable food systems,” said the Governor.

Estimated at KSh 1 billion, the project is expected to significantly improve access to quality fingerlings and feeds, strengthen the capacity of local fish farmers, support the restocking of depleted river species, and scale up aquaculture across all sub-counties.

The KMFRI centre will also serve as a hub for innovation, research, and technical training, contributing to national and global development goals, including Vision 2030, the Blue Economy Strategy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Governor Barasa assured the KMFRI team of his administration’s full support, confirming that the groundbreaking ceremony for the project is planned before the end of this year.

Present were MCA Hon.Victoria Zillah ,CECM for Agriculture Mophat Mandela,

Chief Officers: Ms. Jessica Wesonga and Dr. Barack Otieno.