Kakamega County is set to become a regional powerhouse in aquaculture with the establishment of a KSh1 billion fisheries research and training centre. The KMFRI-backed project will boost fish farming, youth employment, and food security across western Kenya, marking a major step in the county’s blue economy transformation.
By Daniel Otieno and Faith Anene, Kakamega
Kakamega County is poised to become a major hub for aquaculture research and training in western Kenya following a new partnership between the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and the County Government.
In a milestone move, Kakamega will be the third county after Mombasa and Kisumu to host a KMFRI facility, following its ratification during a public participation forum held at the Kakamega County Social Hall.
The proposed centre will focus on freshwater fisheries research, aquaculture farmer training, fish feed processing, hatchery management, and value addition. It is expected to serve Kakamega and neighbouring counties within the Lake Region Economic Bloc (Lreb) significantly strengthening the region’s position in the blue economy.
“This project will serve all counties around Kakamega,” said Timothy Anzetse, MCA for Lubinu/Lusheya Ward and the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives “It’s only the third of its kind in the country. The centre will help our youth not only gain agricultural knowledge but also secure meaningful employment in aquaculture.”
The public participation meeting, attended by residents, county leaders, and stakeholders, reviewed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the county and KMFRI.
According to James Akabale, Chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Committee, residents received the initiative with enthusiasm and expressed willingness to allocate land for the facility.
“Our people embraced the idea wholeheartedly,” Akabale said. “They see this as a long-term investment in youth skills, food security, and local livelihoods. We’re proud to be the third county to host such a transformative institution.”
The centre will feature modern infrastructure, including fingerling hatcheries, fish feed processing units, demonstration ponds, laboratories, administrative offices, and a dedicated training complex.
It aims to offer practical support to local fish farmers by linking them to improved inputs, technologies, extension services, and wider markets.
The project has also caught the attention of international development partners. The World Bank has expressed interest in supporting the initiative under its Blue Economy programme.
A recent benchmarking tour by county officials to KMFRI headquarters in Mombasa helped inform the facility’s design and planning.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa met with a KMFRI delegation led by Dr. Jacob Ochiewo, Director for Socioeconomics, to discuss the implementation of the KSh 1 billion project.
He reaffirmed the county’s commitment to securing more national investments and emphasized the transformative potential of the research centre.
“This facility will strengthen aquaculture through scientific research, improved fingerlings, quality feed, value chain development, capacity building, and job creation for our youth and experts,” Governor Barasa said.
The session also brought together senior officials from the County Department of Fisheries, including Dr. Barack George Otieno, Chief Officer in charge of Resource Mobilization, Partnerships, and Donor Relations, and Mr. Jonathan Masava, the Director of Fisheries, among others.
According to Dr. Otieno, a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and the County Government of Kakamega was signed on 28 January 2025 to guide the implementation of the proposed aquaculture research and training centre.
“One of the key conditions of the MoU was that sufficient government land be identified for the project,” Dr. Otieno said. “We have secured 25 hectares of public land at Matawa, along River Nzoia in Mumias West Sub-county. The project is valued at KSh1 billion and will be rolled out in phases.”
Dr. Otieno added that funding for the centre will be drawn from a mix of donor support, research grants, member contributions, subscriptions, and other sources aligned with the objectives of the partnership.
He also noted that all sub-counties with rivers will host satellite stations to support the wider aquaculture programme.
Director of Fisheries, Mr. Jonathan Masava, said Kakamega County has significant potential for fish farming due to its favourable climate and numerous rivers, many of which already support diverse fish species.
“KMFRI’s presence will be transformative,” Masava said. “It will function like KALRO but specifically for fisheries. It will help improve fish varieties for farming and even support the restocking of our rivers.”
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) is a state corporation established in 1979 by the Science and Technology Act Cap 250 of laws of Kenya, which has since been replaced by the Science, Technology and Innovation Act No.28 of 2013.
The Institute is mandated to undertake research in marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, environmental and ecological studies, and marine research including chemical and physical oceanography, to provide scientific data and information for sustainable development of the Blue Economy.
Once in place, KMFRI will contribute to the realization of national strategies of food and nutrition security, poverty alleviation, clean environment, and creation of employment in the county as provided for under Third Medium Term Plan (MTP III) of Vision 2030, National Oceans and Fisheries Policy 2008, Fisheries Management and Development Act 2016, Africa Agenda 2063, Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy-AIMS2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
