Vihiga county: Vihiga County Governor Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo on Monday toured several sites implementing the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) - Advancing Resilient Nutrition Sensitive Aquaculture (ARNSA) Project. Dr. Ottichilo expressed satisfaction with the progress as the initiative nears completion. The Governor began his inspection at Nyang'ori Boys and later visited Moi Girls Vokoli, where he lauded the work done so far.
According to Kenya News Agency, in the two schools, Dr. Ottichilo was impressed by an Integrated Poultry-Fish-Vegetables Aquaculture System. This model utilizes poultry manure and leftover feed to fertilize aquatic plants in fish ponds, while nutrient-rich water from the ponds irrigates vegetables through sprinklers, reducing waste while increasing yields. He later visited Kaimosi TVET, where he assessed ongoing construction of fish kiosks where fish processing is expected to be done. He praised the work at Kaimosi TVET, noting its significance in shaping the county's youth earnings.
Governor Ottichilo emphasized the initiative's role in youth empowerment, skills development, and economic transformation. He encouraged students at the institution to take full advantage of the Nyota Project after completing their examinations, noting that the program offers business loans to support young entrepreneurs. During the visit, Kaimosi TVET leaders appealed to the Governor to fast-track capitation support, address infrastructure limitations arising from shared space with church partners, and equip workshops to enhance technical training. The Governor pledged his continued support to ensure these requests are addressed.
Governor Ottichilo also visited Mwitoko, where he met fish farmers who expressed joy over the positive impact the ARNSA project has had on their livelihoods. He encouraged them to remain committed to aquaculture and emphasized the developmental value of the initiative as they approach the harvest. County Executive Committee Member Julius Maruja thanked farmers for their dedication, reaffirming the county's commitment to development and service delivery.
County Chief Officer Dr. Betty Mulianga highlighted additional gains from the project, including the revitalization of the Mwitoko hatchery and the increased production of fish fingerlings. Plans are underway to transform the hatchery into a major training center and college, complete with hostels and a dining hall. Project Coordinator Wilson Munala advised farmers to plant soya and beans, which can be processed into affordable fish feed. Munala, who has been instrumental in implementing the NORAD-ARNSA project on the ground, continues to guide farmers and institutions through the new aquaculture systems.