Tharaka: The Government has delivered fish feed worth Sh 34.6 million and announced plans to make available fingerlings to Tharaka Nithi County in a bid to boost fish production in the country. The initiative is part of the Kenya Kwanza Administration’s effort to enhance the aquaculture potential of the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, disclosed that the government identified Tharaka Nithi County’s potential in aquaculture following the commissioning of the Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) – Mutonga Research Centre and Chuka Fresh Fish Market. CS Joho emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in fish production to achieve commercial viability under the Kenya Kwanza’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
During his visit to the county, CS Joho highlighted plans to make available fingerlings worth Sh 145.2 million to farmers through an ongoing project. He noted that fish feeds remain a
significant challenge and launched KMFRI to assist in extension services and equip farmers with necessary knowledge and research. The CS pointed out the need to focus on fish farming alongside traditional sectors such as coffee, tea, and dairy to diversify investments and reduce risks.
CS Joho also addressed critics of the Kenya Kwanza Administration, reiterating the government’s commitment to delivering projects that benefit the people under President William Ruto’s leadership. Tharaka-Nithi Governor, Muthomi Njuki, urged the Ministry to help find markets for fish products, which pose a challenge to local farmers. Governor Njuki called for an organized system involving cooperatives and a fish processing plant to maximize farmers’ returns.
Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Betsy Njagi, assured the government’s collaboration with the County Government to support over 5,000 fish farmers by providing farming inputs and expanding market access. Tharaka Nithi Count
y Woman Representative, Susan Ngugi, advocated for the construction of a fish processing plant to aid in value addition and a training center to enhance farmers’ skills.
The event, held at Chuka Picnic Grounds, included other leaders such as Mining PS, Elijah Mwangi, Tharaka Constituency MP, George Murugara, County Commissioner, David Gitonga, and the Speaker of the County Assembly, John Mbabu, among others.
