Homa Bay residents have been urged to venture into fish farming to boost their income. Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga said fish farming is the approach to ensure continuity of production.
Fishing is a major economic activity in Homa Bay, which has the longest shoreline of Lake Victoria in Kenya. But the lake has faced challenges which have contributed to low production of fish. These include use of wrong fishing gear, pollution and siltation.
Speaking on Monday during the Annual Aquaculture Day at Kadongo market in Kabondo Kasipul constituency, Magwanga said this is will restore production.
“Fish farming is the way to go if we want to continue realising production. Fishing has been our lucrative economic activity hence we have to venture into it,” he said.
The soil can support construction of ponds for fish propagation, he said, as more than 140 people are practising fish farming in the county with support from the Aquaculture Business Development Programme.
“I urge residents to embrace fish farming as a business. Doing so will enable our people to put money in their pockets.”
Production will also improve food security, as fish is among preferred protein sources.
“Fish has high demand in Kenya because there are many people whose medical conditions bar them from eating red meat."
Echoing Magwanga's remarks, ABDP specialist Ruth Lewo said they are supporting farmers in a bid to reduce over reliance on Lake Victoria for fish.
She said production of fish through the programme will also reduce the deficit in Kenya.
“Fish is a delicacy for many people and there is high demand for fish in this country. I encourage residents to venture in fish farming in large numbers,” Lewo said.
ABDP coordinator in Homa Bay Michael Omondi said there has been improvement of fish production in the county from 23 tons in the last financial year to the current 77 tons.
Fisheries executive member John Agili said the department will ensure fishermen abide by regulations.
Agili expressed concerns over the shortage of fish in the lake which has led to conflicts among fishermen, who reportedly engage in wrangles over fishing grounds.
The CEC added that embracing fish farming will address this shortage and the altercations among fishermen.
“Let our fishermen who produce fish through Lake Victoria avoid wrangles and follow the legal framework governing fishing,” he said.
