Kakamega Set to Host New Regional Fisheries Institute Backed by KMFRI

Kakamega, Kenya – The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) is preparing to establish a new regional research center in Kakamega County, aimed at serving the Western Region of Kenya. This development is part of a broader initiative to enhance fisheries and marine research in the area.

According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives, the Kakamega County Government is actively supporting this project. The county is currently in discussions with KMFRI to facilitate the establishment of the institute and has committed to providing land for the construction of the facility.

Andama stated that the center’s construction and operational roles will be undertaken by KMFRI, while the county government’s contribution will be the allocation of land. The project has garnered substantial support from the World Bank, extending its reach to other regions as part of the Blue Economy program.

A recent visit to KMFRI’s offices in Mombasa for benchmarking purposes and discussions with the institution’s officials, including CEO James Njiru, was highlighted by Andama. The planned facility will include a fish feed processing plant, fingerlings production, and an aquaculture laboratory.

Additionally, the CECM mentioned that capacity building for local farmers and assistance in connecting them to markets are integral parts of the project. This initiative aligns with Kakamega County’s ongoing efforts to promote the blue economy, particularly through the enhancement of fish farming in the region.