The Sh2.5 billion Kabonyo Kanyagwal aquaculture fisheries project is off to a start, President William Ruto has announced.
This marks a step towards boosting the local fishing industry.
Ruto had led a groundbreaking exercise for the construction of an aquaculture research centre a year back, but the project had stalled to date.
The facility located in Kadibo Subcounty is expected to play a crucial role in revitalising the fishing sector by providing seven million fingerlings annually.
This initiative, the President noted, aimed to restock the lake and ensure its long-term sustainability for local fishermen and women.
“I want to confirm to the people of this region here that the facility is off to a start to make sure we restock Lake Victoria and make it viable for our fishermen and women,” Ruto said.
The President further noted that Sh300 million has been set aside to kick off two landing sites within the county in Asat and Ogal beaches.
He said the adverts for the same will be out in January to make sure the facilities are available.
"The facility will be managed by the Kisumu County Government to ensure that they can add additional facilities to support the entire fishing ecosystem in our region," he said.
The President further highlighted the growing importance of self-sufficiency in the fishing industry, noting the country's heavy reliance on fish imports.
“It is a big shame to import fish from Asia in the 21st century, 60 years after independence. That speaks volumes of the things we should not be doing.”
In August, Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho defended the stalled aquaculture fisheries project, attributing delays to bureaucracy in government.
Joho said the construction of the multi-million shilling project had stalled due to delays in obtaining the necessary approvals from the National Environment Management Authority.
He said the contractor had already secured the required materials but faced obstacles due to what he described as 'frustration' from Nema.
"The project had already been planned, agreement signed, designed completed and a contractor brought on board. But it hit a snag due to delays in obtaining the necessary approvals."
The CS criticised the lack of cooperation among different government agencies, stressing it is crucial for all departments to work together to ensure the success of state projects.
The project once completed was expected to boost a fingerlings production unit, aquaculture resource centre, Nile Perch multiplication centre and the Kenya Fishing School.
It is also expected to facilitate training, research, innovation and best practices in fisheries and aquaculture through demonstrations and incubations.
The centre will produce up to seven million fingerlings per quarter to satisfy the market demands and supplement Sagana Aquaculture Research Centre in Kirinyaga County.
The project will be a game changer for the sector as the government moves to boost fish production in the country.
