Homa Bay county’s collaboration yields 1.6 tonnes of fresh tilapia

KENYA – The County Government of Homa Bay has partnered with Echo Network Africa and the Kaugege Women Group to achieve a harvest of over 1.6 tonnes of fresh, high-quality tilapia.

This impressive catch was a significant step towards improving food security and nutrition, showing the result of the joint efforts to ensure a consistent supply of nutritious food in the region. 

The initial batch, weighing 500 kg, has already been delivered to the Homa Bay Pier for distribution, ensuring timely access to fresh fish.

Through these partnerships and active community engagement, Homa Bay County is making strides in tackling food scarcity and encouraging healthier eating habits. 

Kenya’s fish and seafood sector

Kenya’s aquaculture sector has experienced a varied performance over the past few years. 

In 2022, the country’s fisheries production reached an estimated 173,600 metric tons. 

Freshwater fish dominated this output, accounting for approximately 141,400 metric tons, while marine sources contributed about 32,000 metric tons.

The financial value of fish production in Kenya soared to 31.1 billion Kenyan shillings (US$221.1 million) in 2022, marking a record high in recent years. 

This increase is largely due to the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources and the enforcement of stricter regulations on fishing during breeding seasons.

In 2021, the volume of fish landed remained consistent with the previous year, indicating a stable production trend. 

At a recent conference, stakeholders highlighted both the achievements and challenges faced by the aquaculture industry. 

Despite its potential, the sector has encountered issues such as fluctuating production levels and regulatory challenges.

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