The Kenyan government has delivered fish feed worth KSh 34.6 million (approximately $231,000) to Tharaka Nithi County and plans to provide fingerlings worth KSh 145.2 million (around $970,000) to boost fish farming.
(Nairobi) – The Kenyan government has taken significant steps to enhance fish production in Tharaka Nithi County by delivering fish feed worth KSh 34.6 million ($231,000) and announcing plans to distribute fingerlings valued at KSh 145.2 million ($970,000). These initiatives aim to leverage the county’s aquaculture potential and align with Kenya Kwanza’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, unveiled these plans during a visit to Tharaka Nithi County. The visit included the commissioning of the Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) – Mutonga Research Centre and the Chuka Fresh Fish Market.
Joho highlighted the county’s untapped aquaculture potential and emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming fish production into a commercially viable sector. “The greatest challenge left is fish feeds. I have launched KMFRI to assist in extension services as well as equip farmers with knowledge and research,” Joho stated. He also reiterated the importance of diversifying Kenya’s agricultural portfolio, complementing traditional cash crops like coffee, tea, and dairy with fish farming to mitigate risks.
During his address, Joho emphasized that these initiatives are part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s broader efforts to deliver impactful projects to citizens. “When you see me here, I am here on behalf of the government of President William Ruto. The projects I am commissioning are a product of the Kenya Kwanza government,” he affirmed.
Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki expressed gratitude for the government’s support but called for additional efforts to address challenges in the fish market. Njuki urged the Ministry of Blue Economy to facilitate the establishment of cooperatives, cold storage facilities, and a fish processing plant to maximize returns for farmers. “My Administration is ready to partner with the National Government to create cold rooms and storages that can store fish products when they are in the market to fetch considerable returns,” the governor noted.
Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi of the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with Tharaka Nithi County. “We aim to support over 5,000 fish farmers in this region by providing farming inputs and expanding market access,” she stated.
County Woman Representative Susan Ngugi joined other leaders in advocating for a fish processing plant and a training center to equip farmers with essential skills. “Value addition is key to ensuring farmers earn better returns,” Ngugi emphasized.
Other officials present included Mining PS Elijah Mwangi, Tharaka Constituency MP George Murugara, County Commissioner David Gitonga, and Speaker of the County Assembly John Mbabu. The leaders spoke at Chuka Picnic Grounds following the commissioning of the KMFRI center and the fish market.
The government’s investment underscores its recognition of aquaculture as a promising sector for economic diversification and rural development. By addressing gaps in feed supply and farmer education, the initiative seeks to position Tharaka Nithi as a hub for sustainable fish farming.
| Government Support for Tharaka Nithi Fish Farming | Amount (Local Currency) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Fish feed delivered | KSh 34.6 million | $231,000 |
| Planned fingerlings distribution | KSh 145.2 million | $970,000 |