Fish farming is becoming a game-changer in Kakamega County, Kenya. Governor Fernandes Barasa has spearheaded a major aquaculture initiative aimed at empowering local farmers, improving food security, and creating jobs. The county government has invested in fish ponds, distributed pond liners, and provided technical support to ensure the success of fish farming.
While Governor Barasa is leading the fish farming initiative, community leaders like Matikho Josephat Kijana Mwepesi are playing a crucial role in encouraging people to participate. He has been urging residents of Lurambi, Navakholo, Mumias East, and Malava to connect with the Department of Agriculture and learn how they can start fish farming.
His recent visit to Kakamega Fish Market further highlighted the importance of fish farming, as he witnessed how farmers travel from far regions like Lodwar and Busia to sell fish. With Governor Barasa providing the resources and leaders like Matikho Josephat Kijana Mwepesi encouraging participation, fish farming is set to transform Kakamega’s economy.
Governor Fernandes Barasa has launched a county-wide initiative to promote fish farming as a sustainable source of income and food security. His administration recognizes that aquaculture has the potential to create employment and boost the local economy.
Key Investments in Fish Farming
Under Governor Barasa’s leadership, the county government has:
Distributed 768 Pond Liners – These Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pond liners worth Ksh 33 million were given to farmers to construct fish ponds and improve fish farming infrastructure.
Supplied Fingerlings and Feeds – Through the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP), thousands of fingerlings and fish feeds have been distributed to small-scale farmers.
Provided Training and Technical Support – Farmers are being trained on best fish farming practices to ensure long-term success and profitability.
These investments have already started yielding results, with many farmers setting up fish ponds and benefiting from the growing fish market.
Matikho Josephat Kijana Mwepesi Encouraging People to Join Fish Farming
Matikho Josephat Kijana Mwepesi has been at the forefront of encouraging residents to embrace fish farming. While the initiative is driven by Governor Barasa, Kijana Mwepesi has been motivating people from Lurambi, Navakholo, Mumias East, and Malava to take advantage of the available resources.
He has urged his supporters to engage with the Department of Agriculture for training on how to start fish farming and benefit from the county’s investment in aquaculture. His message is clear: fish farming is a great economic opportunity, and residents should not be left behind.
As a public health practitioner, Kijana Mwepesi recently led a group of university students to Kakamega Fish Market to assess its sanitary conditions. During the visit, he was surprised to learn that farmers travel from Lodwar and Busia to sell fish in Kakamega, demonstrating the high demand for fish in the county.
He also noted that many of the people running the fish market are locals from Kakamega, meaning the industry is creating employment for the county’s youth. Seeing these positive developments, he became even more passionate about encouraging people to join fish farming.
Inspired by Governor Barasa’s initiative and the opportunities he witnessed at the fish market, Kijana Mwepesi announced that he will soon acquire a pond liner to start his own fish farm. His decision to personally invest in fish farming serves as an example to others that this industry is worth joining.
The Kakamega Fish Market has become a crucial trading point for fish farmers and traders from across the region. It provides a ready market for fish farmers, making fish farming a profitable venture.
One of the key benefits of the fish market is that it has created jobs for the local youth. Many of the workers in the market are from Kakamega, proving that the fish farming industry can provide stable employment.
Despite its success, the market still faces some sanitation and infrastructure challenges. Leaders like Matikho Josephat Kijana Mwepesi are advocating for better hygiene and improved facilities to ensure the market operates efficiently and safely.
“Samaki Na Barasa” – Governor Barasa’s Vision for Kakamega
The slogan “Samaki Na Barasa” represents Governor Barasa’s commitment to empowering Kakamega residents through fish farming. The initiative is designed to:
Create Jobs – Fish farming employs farmers, traders, and market workers.
Enhance Food Security – More fish production means better nutrition for the community.
Boost the Economy – Increased fish trade contributes to the country’s economic growth.
Through this initiative, the county government is ensuring that fish farming becomes a sustainable and profitable industry for generations to come.
Governor Fernandes Barasa’s fish farming initiative is transforming Kakamega County by creating jobs, improving food security, and boosting the local economy. Through investments in pond liners, fingerlings, feeds, and training, the county government has made it easier for residents to engage in fish farming.
At the same time, leaders like Matikho Josephat Kijana Mwepesi are playing a crucial role in mobilizing communities to embrace aquaculture. His encouragement to residents of Lurambi, Navakholo, Mumias East, and Malava ensures that more people benefit from the opportunities available in fish farming.
With continued support from the county government and active participation from the community, fish farming in Kakamega is set to thrive, creating a brighter future for the people.
