March 21, 2025

 

Egerton University, Kenya launches aquaculture facility to boost fish production

Egerton University, Kenya has established a new aquaculture facility to promote climate-smart technologies, innovations, and management practices aimed at enhancing fish production in Nakuru County.

 

The university is using the facility to train farmers, investors, teachers, extension officers, agrovets, and other stakeholders on running sustainable and profitable aquaculture businesses.

 

Professor Paul Kimurto, Director of the Agro-Science Park, a Vision 2030 Flagship Project, stated that the initiative focuses on increasing access to breeding stock, high-quality and affordable fish feeds, and fingerlings delivery systems. The project also aims to improve farmers' management practices through training to enhance their skills and knowledge.

 

The facility is working in collaboration with Egerton University's Agro-Science Park at Ngongongeri Farm in Njoro to scale up modern fisheries management techniques. Beyond research, it is supporting community outreach programmes, offering training on modern aquaculture techniques to farmers, students, and other industry players.

 

Professor Kimurto highlighted the role of the fisheries sector in contributing to the blue economy, providing food security, generating revenue, and creating employment. He explained that the sector plays a crucial role in trade and the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to the economic growth of both coastal and inland water communities.

 

The facility integrates innovative feed production methods with practical training, equipping the next generation of aquaculture professionals and strengthening food security initiatives. Professor Kimurto noted that fish farmers across the country face challenges related to the availability of quality fish feeds.

 

To address this, the Agro-Science Park Fish Farm is collaborating with various research agencies to develop insect-based protein-rich feeds aimed at improving fish growth and profitability. One of the key initiatives is the production of high-protein fish feed using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae.

 

Professor Kimurto explained that BSF larvae contain proteins, energy-rich lipids, minerals, and vitamins, making them a sustainable and affordable alternative to conventional fish meal. Since the larvae can be reared on organic waste, farmers can easily produce them using commonly available materials such as organic manure and kitchen refuse.

 

Reports indicate that global fish consumption is rising due to increased production, reduced wastage, and post-harvest loss prevention. Fisheries resources contribute significantly to food and nutrition security, with fish accounting for 17% of global protein consumption.

 

Beyond promoting fish consumption, the Agro-Science Park Fish Farm is also encouraging adherence to fish quality and sanitary standards. The farm serves as a hub for research, innovation, and sustainable aquaculture, with state-of-the-art fish ponds providing a centre for advanced studies in fish farming, food security, and economic development.

 

Stocking density also plays a crucial role in fish growth. Understocking results in large but fewer fish, leading to lower yields, while overstocking causes stunted growth, producing smaller fish. Farmers are trained on optimal stocking rates, with experts recommending two tilapia fingerlings per square metre.

 

Farmers are also taught how to enhance pond fertility to support the growth of natural fish food organisms. This is achieved by applying agricultural lime and organic manure from sources such as rabbits, poultry, goats, sheep, cattle, or donkeys. Additionally, the training emphasises integrating fish farming with other agricultural activities to utilise by-products as fish feed.

 

The fisheries sector contributes approximately 0.7% to Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through foreign exchange earnings and job creation. It plays a crucial role in both the economy and nutrition by supplementing dietary needs.

 

Statistics from the fisheries sector show that Kenya produced 173,741 metric tonnes of fish worth KSH 37.6 billion (US$290 million) in 2022. In 2023, production slightly declined to 161,000 metric tonnes, valued at KSH 35.9 billion (US$277 million), mainly due to declining fish stocks in water bodies.

 

Freshwater fish accounted for the largest share of production in 2023, with 121,000 metric tonnes, while marine fish contributed 40,000 metric tonnes. Aquaculture recorded an increase in production, rising from 27,939 metric tonnes in 2022 to 31,767 metric tonnes in 2023, valued at KSH 10 billion (US$77 million). This growth was attributed to the expansion of cage culture enterprises in Lake Victoria.

 

However, land-based aquaculture production has stagnated due to low levels of pond stocking and a significant number of inactive ponds. Experts note that addressing these challenges through improved training, feed production, and management practices will be essential in boosting fish farming in the country.

 

- Kenya News Agency