Nakuru – The Nakuru County Government has initiated a significant restocking of Lake Naivasha, introducing 150,000 Tilapia fingerlings worth over Sh 2.5 million. This initiative aims to replenish the dwindling fish stocks in this critical freshwater body. The event, which coincided with the celebration of World Fisheries Day (WFD), took place in Naivasha on Tuesday.

According to Kenya News Agency, Nakuru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives, the county is collaborating with stakeholders to combat illegal fishing practices on the lake. Bor emphasized the development of policies and bills to enhance the fisheries sector and improve the livelihoods of local fisherfolk. During the event, the county government also donated two modern fishing boats to the Karagita Beach Management Unit (BMU).

Edna Waithaka, Director of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI) Naivasha office, raised concerns about the fishing of immature stocks using undersized nets. She urged fishermen to cease this practice to allow fish stocks to regenerate and pointed out that immature fish fetch low market prices.

The restocking initiative is part of the county’s strategy to maintain economic activities on the lake while supporting sustainable livelihoods. However, local fisherfolk have raised concerns about excessive water abstraction by flower farms impacting fishing activities. Grace Kimani, Beach Patrol Leader, highlighted the challenges of water level reduction due to flower farm activities and drought, as well as encroachment and illegal fishing practices funded by cartels.

Kimani also noted the depletion of certain fish varieties and called for increased security, funding for aquaculture ventures, and regular lake cleaning to be included in the county budget. The county government is constructing a Sh 239 million state-of-the-art fish market at Karai to revolutionize fish trading and provide job opportunities.

With 300 licensed fishing boats and five fish landing beaches in the county, Nakuru aims to ensure sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources. The recent fish catch data shows a total catch of over 2 million kilogrammes with a market value of Sh248Million, predominantly of the Tilapia species.

Lake Naivasha, spanning 139 square kilometers, faces challenges like pollution, human encroachment, and water abstraction. With Kenya’s overall fish production predicted at 163,600 metric tonnes in 2021, initiatives like this are crucial for sustaining the country’s fish supply.