𝐊𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐆𝐀 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋-𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆

Kakamega County marked major progress in small-scale commercial aquaculture on Tuesday with the conclusion of the GATSBY Africa Small-Scale Commercial Pond Farming pilot project.

CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives Mr Mophat Mandela graced the closing ceremony and commended the participating farmers for their impressive progress. He appreciated GATSBY Africa and other partners for aligning with the county’s fisheries development goals. Mr Mandela also highlighted the recent milestone at Lutonyi Fish Processing plant which secured an export license opening up to international markets particularly for catfish exports to the European Union.

Fish farmers from six sub-counties have over the past one year benefited from the initiative gaining hands-on training in low-cost feeding techniques and improved farm management practices aiming to increase productivity and profitability. The project supports Governor Fernandes Fernandes Barasa’s broader agenda on food security and wealth creation.

Fisheries Chief Officer Ms. Jessica Wesonga emphasized that the initiative will enhance rural livelihoods and cement Kakamega’s reputation as a growing hub for fish production.

Among those in attendance were Mr. James Gichuhi, GATSBY Aquaculture Director; Professor Charles Ngugi, Lead Project Consultant; Mr. Jonathan Masaba, Director of Fisheries and fish farmers from the participating sub-counties.