The government plans to spend KSh15 billion in an initiative that will boost fish farming in 15 counties. This is an effort to double fish consumption per capita in the country over the next ten years.
Currently, fish consumption per capita stands at 4.5 kilograms against a 10kg target by 2030. Last year, the government identified fish farming as a critical sector that can boost Kenya’s food security.
Fisheries Secretary, Professor Muchemi Ntiba, says the government will use the funds to provide seed money for farmers. The government will provide up to 70% of the funds required for a fish farm, while the farmers will cover the remaining 30%. The project will in turn double fish production, and provide opportunities for over 35,000 households in the fish value chain.
Counties in the Western and Mount Kenya region stand to benefit the most.
Mismanagement, Poor Taxation Rocks Kenya’s Fish Farming
The government had previously identified fish farming as a key economic driver under the 2009 economic stimulus program. However, mismanagement of the project led to its failure.
Further, an investigation by the Daily Nation shows that Cess, the tax for the movement of agricultural goods, is killing Kenya’s fish farming. According to Daily Nation, Cess tax ranging from KSh30 to KSh300 charged at multiple points in transit routes causes multiple taxations on fish farmers. Further, it leads to delays that lead to fish rotting en route to Nairobi.
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