LBDA MD Wycliffe Ochiaga at one of the fish ponds within the Kibos Intergrated Technology Transfer Centre in Kisumu/FAITH MATETEThe Kibos Integrated Technology Transfer Center (ITTC) is set to revolutionise fish farming in the region with its investment in modern hatchery technology.
The facility, which is part of the Lake Basin Development Authority, aims to address the increasing demand for fish and the shortage of quality fingerlings.
According to LBDA Managing Director Wycliffe Ochiaga, the new hatchery plant, currently under construction, is expected to produce approximately 4,000 fingerlings per month.
He said this significant increase in production capacity will help meet the growing needs of local farmers and contribute to the overall development of the aquaculture industry. In addition to the hatchery, Kibos ITCC, Ochiaga said, is also implementing innovative technologies to enhance fish farming practices.
A state-of-the-art fingerling counting machine, he said, will ensure accurate and transparent transactions between the facility and farmers adding that this technology will help prevent overstocking of fish ponds and promote sustainable aquaculture.
"We are committed to empowering farmers and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices," said the MD.
He added, "By investing in modern technology and training programs, we aim to improve the livelihoods of local communities and contribute to the country's food security."
Kibos ITCC is also actively working with other stakeholders to address challenges related to fish feed. The facility, he said, is exploring the use of alternative feed sources, such as rice mill by-products, to reduce costs and environmental impact.
The Kibos Integrated Technology Transfer Centre (ITTC) within Kisumu County is currently undergoing a major transformation aimed at revitalizing aquaculture in the Lake Victoria Basin.
With the undergoing major transformation aimed at revitalising aquaculture in the Lake Victoria basin, the center is set to increase its fish fingerling production capacity from 4 million to 7 million annually, providing a significant boost to local fish farming and efforts to restock Lake Victoria. Established to support the fishing community, the Kibos ITTC plays a crucial role in supplying quality fingerlings to local fish farmers.
This is especially vital as fish stocks in Lake Victoria have dwindled in recent years, leading to losses for the fishing community. The center is being upgraded with modern aquaculture technologies, including the introduction of the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), which will improve the efficiency of fish fingerling production.
“We plan to train over 5,000 farmers annually in best practices for fish farming, covering areas such as pond management, feeding, and fertilization.”
The rehabilitation of Kibos ITTC aligns with Kenya’s broader goals of improving food security, supporting rural development, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
