(Sakwa, Awendo) – Fish farming is becoming an increasingly profitable venture in Kenya, with new methods like cage farming, liner ponds, and reservoirs taking the industry to new heights. However, the high cost of fingerlings and feeds remains a significant challenge for many fish farmers. This problem has been particularly severe for those in rural areas, where access to affordable fingerlings has become difficult.
One of the farms working to overcome these hurdles is Ranenville Aqua-Farm, located in Sakwa, Awendo Sub County. Denis Odhiambo, an aquaculturist and technician at the farm, explains that the high costs of acquiring fingerlings became a major issue for the farm’s operations. To solve this problem, the farm decided to set up its own hatchery. This decision not only addressed their production needs but also provided a solution to other farmers in the region facing similar challenges.
In 2023, the Ranenville Aqua-Farm hatchery was officially certified by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and the Fisheries Department. The farm is now able to produce over 100,000 fingerlings per month, a major achievement for the county. The hatchery produces F-8 generation fingerlings, a strain developed by KMFRI and the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). These fingerlings are faster-growing, resistant to diseases, and more efficient feeders, making them an ideal choice for local farmers.
Since its certification, Ranenville Aqua-Farm has supplied over 300,000 fingerlings within the county, and an additional 200,000 to neighboring counties. The farm also provides fish feeds to over 200,000 farmers, either through government support initiatives or direct purchases.
The production of fingerlings at Ranenville is a complex process that requires technical expertise. The farm uses a brooding system where female and male fish are paired in a 3:1 ratio. Each pond with 72 brooding fish can generate enough eggs, which are collected and taken to the hatchery for incubation. The hatching process takes between 10 to 21 days. During this time, the eggs are aerated and kept at controlled temperatures to ensure healthy development.
Once hatched, the baby fish are placed in nursery ponds to grow. Here, they feed on plankton, starter mash, and zooplankton as they adapt to the harsh environmental conditions. The nursery ponds are crucial in this process, as they provide the ideal environment for the fingerlings to grow before being transferred to the main ponds for further development.
The introduction of organic fertilizers into the nursery ponds also helps stimulate the growth of plankton and algae, which are essential food sources for the growing fish. This innovative approach has helped Ranenville Aqua-Farm achieve rapid growth and productivity, with marketable tilapia sizes ready for sale in just six months.
In addition to fingerling production, Ranenville Aqua-Farm also sells fully grown fish, with Rio Fish Limited in Rongo-Migori being its largest market. Other buyers include local fishmongers, residents, and institutions across Migori and neighboring counties, such as Nyamira, Kisii, and Homa Bay. To further reduce costs and maximize profits, the farm has also developed its own feed formulation, cutting down on external feed expenses.
| Ranenville Aqua-Farm Key Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fingerlings Production | Over 100,000 fingerlings (tilapia and catfish) |
| Fingerlings Supplied | Over 500,000 to local and neighboring counties |
| Main Markets | Rio Fish Limited, local fishmongers, and institutions |
| Feed Formulation | Self-made to reduce costs and maximize profits |
| Brooding Fish Stock | 72 brooding stock per pond |