County To Export Fish To The EU Market

Kakamega County fish processing factory will soon start to export fish to the European Union (EU) market.

Speaking after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the DAS Group, the Deputy Governor Prof Philip Kutima said there are 500 registered fish farmers in the area who will supply fish to the factory.

“The government offers subsidies on fingerlings and fish feeds. This has increased fish production in the County,” said Prof Kutima who doubles as the agriculture and fisheries development Executive.

The Deputy Governor said operationalization of the factory will create employment and business opportunities for the locals.

“Our economy will be boosted once operations begin and will also market the county globally,” he said.

The Livestock and Fisheries Chief Officer Dr Kelly Nelima said the farmers are receiving the services on fish farming from extension officers.

“We are encouraging diversification in farming and urge more people to embrace fish farming as a source of income and for the health benefits,” she said.

She added that the farmers will also be trained through the Kakamega County Fish Farmers Cooperative on the best fish farming practices and management.

The DAS Group representative Samwel Ondiek said the factory is able to process five tonnes of fish in a span of 8 hours.

He said the Group has already partnered with local retail markets including supermarkets for supply of fish products from the factory.