Kenya and AU-IBAR Collaborate to Boost Aquaculture Sector

NAIVASHA – Kenya’s aquaculture industry is undergoing significant transformations, thanks to a collaborative effort between the government and the African Union-Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). The move aims to revitalize the sector and increase fish production, which showed a marked improvement last year with over 30,000 metric tonnes produced, up from a previous annual yield of around 4,000 metric tonnes.

According to Kenya News Agency, the government’s strategy includes promoting aquaculture, providing seed (fingerlings) to farmers, and establishing centres of excellence for quality seed distribution. These efforts are in response to the decline in fish stocks in natural water bodies and aim to ensure a steady supply of fish both locally and internationally. The remarks were delivered by Director of Fisheries Ms. Lucy Obungu on behalf of Ms. Njagi during the opening of the 2nd General Congress of Aquaculture Network for Africa (ANAF) in Naivasha.

Currently, aquaculture accounts for only 2.7 percent of Kenya’s fish catch, with a projected supply gap of 50,000 metric tonnes expected to rise to 75,000 by 2030 if per capita fish consumption remains constant. Challenges such as poor quality seed and the high cost of fish feed have been identified as key barriers to the growth of the sector. The newly established centres of excellence are expected to address these issues by producing high-quality fish fingerlings and reducing the cost of fish feed.

A significant step in this direction is the establishment of the Sh. 1 billion Kabonyo Fisheries Aquaculture Service and Training Centre of Excellence in Kisumu County, aimed at ensuring the availability of quality fish seed. This initiative is seen as crucial in light of the declining catches from traditional fishing due to over-exploitation of marine ecosystems. Aquaculture is increasingly viewed as a sustainable alternative that can bridge the supply gap of this essential food source.

Ms. Njagi urged Member States to focus on promoting and growing the aquaculture sector to achieve food security and reduce poverty. She highlighted the critical role of fish in the diets and economies of many African countries and called for industry or market-led development in aquaculture.

Ms. Obungu added that efforts are underway to curb illegal fishing, which has been contributing to declining fish stocks and loss of revenue. She emphasized cooperation with security agencies to protect the country’s aquatic resources.

Dr. Huyam Salim, Director of AU-IBAR, underscored the potential of aquaculture in providing food security and economic empowerment in Africa. She called for collaborative efforts between governments and the private sector to enhance aquaculture production. Dr. David Balikowa from the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of addressing challenges in the aquaculture sub-sector for food and nutritional security and economic empowerment.

Balikowa also noted the EAC’s role in promoting aquaculture to fill the supply gap currently being exploited by international players who export fish to local markets in East Africa, thus impacting the region’s income.