Siaya government has partnered with Homa Bay-based fish-producing firm to enhance aquaculture and blue economy in Lake Victoria.
The Victory Farms located at Rowo village in Suba South constituency is one of the leading fish producing firms in the country.
Siaya Governor James Orengo on Friday toured the facility and agreed with the firm’s management to work together in promoting aquaculture in Siaya which also has a share of Lake Victoria.
“Siaya is committed to utilizing Lake Victoria as a resource for creating of jobs and wealth for its people. We believe that prudent use of the lake for fish production will improve the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
The ODM Governor described blue economy as a very important sector that they want to invest in for economic growth.
He said Siaya county wants to tap the resources of Lake Victoria through aquaculture.
Going further, Orengo revealed that his administration is already in talks with Victory Farms to establish a branch in the county to help in promoting aquaculture.
He said his administration is going to spend Sh20 million to support aquaculture in the county this year.
The funds will be used to used to purchase fish feeds and other products to support fish farmers in promoting aquaculture.
“We’re holding a conversation to enable the organization to set up a branch for growing fish in Siaya,” Orengo added.
Siaya also rich in aquaculture since it also has Yala Swamp besides Lake Victoria.
Victory Firm organization Chief Development Officer Caesar Asiyos said his organization donates tilapia fingerlings for free as a corporate social responsibility to farmers in the counties they are partnering with.
The move is aimed at exploiting resources in Lake Victoria to improve residents’ lives.
“The distribution of quality fingerlings to fish farmers is one of the ways of empowering the farmers. Quality fingerlings and feeds also help in utilizing Lake Victoria prudently,” he said.
