By Seliphar Machoni
Fish farmers in Kakamega have received a significant boost with the distribution of 768
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pond liners, valued at Sh33 million, at the Lutonyi Fish Factory in
Lurambi Constituency.
This initiative is part of Governor Fernandes Barasa's efforts to enhance food security in the
county. The project- to be implemented across all 12 constituencies- is a collaboration with the
International Food for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through the Aquaculture Business
Development Program (ABDP).
"As a county, our priority is to ensure food security for our farmers, which is a key item on my
agenda. I am pleased to flag off 768 fish pond liners in collaboration with IFAD and ABDP,"
Governor Barasa stated.
He added that the county would support fish farmers with essential resources to advance
aquaculture.
"We will also provide fingerlings, fish feeds, and predator nets to ensure the support we are
giving is comprehensive," Barasa explained.
The pond liners are designed to create an impermeable layer between the water and soil,
preventing water loss by stopping seepage. The first consignment will be distributed to Matungu,
Mumias West, and Malava constituencies.
Additionally, Governor Barasa launched the distribution of 15,000 kg of sunflower seeds to
6,840 farmers across the 12 constituencies. These seeds will cover approximately 5,000 acres (3
kg per acre), aiming to boost food production. The partnership between the County Government
of Kakamega and the Agriculture Food Authority anticipates a harvest of 4,000 tons of
sunflower seeds, producing around 1 million litres of oil, valued at Sh200 million.
“Our farmers will benefit from the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Likuyani,
currently under construction, which will provide a ready market for their products,” said Barasa.
Fish farmers expressed appreciation for the governor's initiative and requested that the
Kakamega Fish Factory prioritize purchasing fish from local farmers.
"While we appreciate the governor's support, we also urge him to ensure the factory buys fish
from local producers," said Cyrus Akhonya, a fish farmer from Lurambi Constituency.
Last year, Kakamega County secured a deal to export at least 10 tonnes of fish weekly to Italy.
The county is leveraging the Sh120 million Lutonyi fish processing plant, certified to meet
European Union standards, allowing it to serve as a fish aggregation, warehousing, and
international export centre.
The facility has secured agreements to export fish to Dubai, the UK, the Netherlands, and 27
other European countries. Currently, the factory processes 15 tonnes of fish daily, with the
capacity to process and export up to 20 tonnes per day. The annual demand for fish is projected
to reach 7,000 tonnes.
An outlet in Gikomba has been established to facilitate business operations in Nairobi and
beyond. Approximately 6,976 farmers in Kakamega County are set to benefit from this venture,
with an estimated 9,988 fish ponds capable of producing over 1,798 tonnes of fish in seven
months.
The county expects to generate Sh539 million from this initiative. A Memorandum of
Understanding was signed between DAS Group and Kakamega County, granting the company
the rights to operate the factory. DAS Group officially took over the facility following a lease
agreement signed on November 3rd of last year.
