Kenya Allocates $6.2 Million to Boost Aquaculture with AU-IBAR

Kenya is spearheading efforts to rejuvenate its aquaculture sector in collaboration with the African Union-Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). The government, led by the Principal Secretary for Blue Economy and Fisheries, is committed to bolstering fish production by promoting aquaculture initiatives. In the previous year, Kenya experienced a notable surge in fish production, surpassing 30,000 metric tonnes, a significant improvement from the previous annual average of 4,000 metric tonnes. The country aims to address challenges related to fish seed quality and the high cost of fish feed, partnering with AU-IBAR to revamp the aquaculture value chain not only domestically but across Africa. Currently contributing only 2.7 percent to the country's fish catch, aquaculture is crucial for bridging an annual supply gap projected to increase to 75,000 metric tonnes by 2030 if per capita fish consumption remains steady.

To fortify the aquaculture value chain, the Kenyan government has allocated 1 billion Kenyan shillings ($6.2 million) for the Kabonyo Fisheries Aquaculture Service and Training Centre of Excellence in Kisumu County. This initiative, coupled with efforts to provide quality seed to farmers and establish centers of excellence, is expected to elevate fish fingerling production.