Kenya rolls out youth-focused aquaculture programmes to address 450,000-tonne fish shortfall
Government and partners push tech, funding, and skills to expand production
KENYA – Kenya has introduced a set of youth-driven aquaculture programmes aimed at reducing an estimated annual fish supply gap of 450,000 metric tonnes while expanding participation in the fisheries sector.
The initiatives were launched in Kisumu by The Aquaculture Consortium, in collaboration with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, during a conference titled “From Fish Deficit to Aquaculture Powerhouse.”
The programmes, named Young Fish Kenya, Girls in Aquaculture Kenya, and the AgriGrowth (eSamakiDigital) platform, are designed to attract students, unemployed youth, and women while integrating digital tools and access to financing into fish farming.
Speaking at the event, TAC Chief Executive Officer Felix Osok said the effort is intended to reposition Kenya’s aquaculture industry by increasing production capacity and encouraging wider participation across the value chain.
He added that the sector, estimated to have a potential value of about US$1 billion, continues to face challenges, including fragmentation, low investment levels, and limited access to modern technology among small-scale producers.
Osok noted that smallholder farmers currently account for roughly 80% of national fish output, making them central to any expansion strategy aimed at closing the supply gap.
Focus on research and partnerships
The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute said the programmes are built around strengthening sustainable aquaculture through partnerships, research, and innovation.
The institute stated that the initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration with JumboFish Farm and Norec, which aims to strengthen support systems while promoting youth inclusion and gender balance in the sector.
KMFRI Director General Dr Paul Orina, who joined the launch virtually, said scaling aquaculture requires decisions grounded in scientific research and industry data to ensure commercial viability.
Policy direction and investment plans
Government representatives at the conference outlined plans to expand aquaculture through policy adjustments, investment, and coordination among stakeholders in both public and private sectors.
Dr Sam Kidera, speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Blue Economy and Fisheries, presented the government’s approach to developing the sector alongside broader blue economy priorities.
In a separate address delivered for Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi, officials reiterated plans to introduce reforms and attract investment, noting that fisheries currently contribute about 0.7% to Kenya’s GDP and could reach 1% by 2027.
Despite producing 168,000 metric tonnes of fish valued at US$306 million (KSh39.6 billion) in 2024, the country continues to fall short of domestic demand.
Authorities also disclosed that more than US$232 million (KSh30 billion) in investments has been approved to support aquaculture, alongside insurance products aimed at reducing risks for fish farmers.
Participants at the forum, including the Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association, called for stronger cooperation, improved skills training, and wider adoption of technology to position Kenya as a competitive aquaculture producer in Africa.
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