Kenya's Sh14bn fish-farming drive has reached 9,000 farmers
The aquaculture programme covers 16 counties, while a separate coastal project has funded 1,263 community projects and planted 2.4 million mangrove seedlings.
Nairobi — Kenya's Sh14 billion Aquaculture Business Development Programme has supported 9,000 smallholder farmers so far, Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho told the Senate, The Star reports. It aims to raise fish production, create jobs and improve food security in 16 counties, from Nyeri and Meru to Kisumu, Homa Bay and Kakamega.
Results so far
- Nine fish landing sites developed in five counties
- Grants for 175 women and youth groups to build businesses along the fisheries value chain
- An accredited Fish Quality Laboratory in Kisumu
- Fish ponds and kitchen gardens in schools through 4K clubs
On the coast
A separate Sh10 billion marine fisheries project in Mombasa, Lamu, Kwale, Kilifi and Tana River has funded 1,263 subprojects worth Sh3.37 billion, benefiting 83,925 people. Fish markets are being built at Malindi, Ngomeni, Kichwa cha Kati and Likoni, and 2.4 million mangrove seedlings have been planted or restored.
Cabinet has also approved Sh1.2 billion for the Kabonyo fisheries centre of excellence in Kisumu, with a Nile perch research centre and a fishing school.
Source: The Star, 24 October 2026.
