The initiation of the Sh. 2.5 billion Kabonyo Kanyagwal Fisheries Aquaculture and Training Center of Excellence in Kisumu County heralds a transformative era for Kisumu’s fisheries sector, marking a significant stride towards self-sufficiency and innovation in aquatic agriculture. This monumental project, set to commence construction in March following the finalization of financing paperwork, is a collaborative venture between the Republic of Hungary and the Kenyan Government, showcasing a pivotal moment of international partnership and development foresight.
The Cabinet’s approval in January of the previous year underscored the project’s strategic importance, recognizing its potential to revolutionize fish production, research, and training in Kisumu. Spearheaded by the Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, the project underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering the blue economy and enhancing food security.
Phase One of the construction, with an allocated budget of Sh. 1 billion, is poised to lay the foundation for a facility that will serve as a beacon of excellence in fisheries and aquaculture. The ambitious plan includes a fingerlings production unit, an aquaculture resource center, a Nile Perch multiplication center, and the Kenya Fishing School. This comprehensive approach aims to address the entire spectrum of the fisheries sector, from breeding to training, ensuring a sustainable and scalable impact on the national fish production capacity.
The envisaged Sh. 1.5 billion Phase II expansion will further augment the center’s capabilities, facilitating cutting-edge research, innovation, and the dissemination of best practices in aquaculture. This initiative is not just about increasing fish production but is a holistic strategy to elevate the sector to global standards, fostering economic growth and enhancing Kisumu’s food security.
The center’s projected output of seven million fingerlings per quarter is a testament to its potential to meet and exceed local demand, positioning Kisumu as a leader in sustainable aquaculture practices. This initiative also dovetails with the government’s decision to halt fish imports from China, a move that underscores a broader strategy to empower local producers and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
In addition to the Kabonyo Kanyagwal project, the revitalization of the Sagana Aquaculture Research Center in Kirinyaga County further illustrates the government’s holistic approach to boosting fish production across all aquatic environments. By leveraging both inland and maritime resources, Kisumu is poised to achieve unprecedented levels of self-sufficiency in fish production, ensuring that the bounty of its waters is fully harnessed for the benefit of its people.
As construction nears commencement, the Kabonyo Kanyagwal Fisheries Aquaculture and Training Center of Excellence stands as a symbol of Kisumu’s ambitious vision for its blue economy. It embodies the collective aspiration to nurture a sector that is not only economically viable but also sustainable and resilient, securing the nation’s future in the realm of fisheries and beyond.
Kisumu City News.
