KAKAMEGA ON THE VERGE OF HOSTING REGIONAL FISHERIES INSTITUTE

Discussions are at an advanced stage to see the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) establish a Regional centre in Kakamega County to serve the larger Western region and beyond.

A delegation from Kakamega County led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives Mr Benjamin Andama, on behalf of H.E Governor Fernandes Barasa, recently visited KMFRI offices in Mombasa where they held talks with the Institution’s Officials, led by the CEO Prof. James Njiru, deliberations that centred on establishment of a Research and Training Centre in Kakamega; a project that will involve construction of a Fish feeds processing plant, Fingerlings production and Aqua Laboratory, in addition to capacity building farmers and linking them to markets.

Mr Andama who was accompanied by the County Secretary & Head of Public Service Dr Lawrence Omuhaka and the Chief Officer for Livestock and Fisheries Ms Jessica Wesonga revealed that the County Government is set to provide land for the project while the Centre will undertake the construction and operationalization roles.

The initiative has received substantial support from the World Bank with a view of extending the services to other regions under the Blue Economy program.

Kakamega County has made tremendous strides in promotion of blue economy through enhancement of fish farming.