Kisumu: The aquaculture consortium (TAC) in Kenya, in collaboration with the Norwegian Agency for Cooperation, has launched youth-led initiatives in the aquaculture sector aimed at bridging Kenya’s 450,000 metric tons fish annual deficit. Speaking during the launch in Kisumu, TAC CEO, Felix Osok, highlighted that the Young-fish-and-the-Girls initiatives will not only attract but also support students and girls out of school to embrace and exploit opportunities in the aquaculture sector, which has an estimated potential of one billion USD.
According to Kenya News Agency, Osok disclosed that the consortium has also launched additional initiatives focusing on digitization and financing in the aquaculture sector. These initiatives will incorporate the use of artificial intelligence and improved access to financing, acting as a catalyst in the Kenyan Blue economy and aquaculture ecosystem. “Our focus is to move Kenya from a fish deficit to a fish powerhouse on the continent,” Osok stated, emphasizing the aim to draw lessons from Norway, a global leader in the aquaculture sector.
Osok observed that Kenya’s fisheries sector is characterized by a fragmented ecosystem and structural challenges. These can only be addressed through collaboration, technology adoption, and addressing underinvestment in small-scale fish farmers who contribute 80 percent of the food basket. He stressed the need for knowledge sharing and digital platforms to include young people and increase funding for small-scale farmers.
Blue Economy Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi, in a speech read by the fisheries Nyanza and Western regional coordinator, Samson Kidera, noted that the fisheries sector is a growing pillar in Kenya’s economy contributing to 0.7 percent of GDP, with growth expected to rise to 1 percent by 2027. Despite producing 168MT of fish valued at Sh39.6 billion in 2024, production remains low compared to other African countries, necessitating a review of fisheries policy to tackle structural and investment challenges.
The PS expressed gratitude to Norway for supporting the growth of Kenya’s aquaculture sector. Through the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation, Norway has sent girls from its aquaculture sector to mentor Kenyan girls and link them with institutions and the private sector in Norway.
Kidera mentioned the government’s collaborative approach to bridge the fish deficit as envisioned in the Revised 2025 Fisheries Policy. He revealed the encouragement of insurance products to de-risk the aquaculture sector and the approval of over Sh30 billion investments to unlock the sector.
Kisumu County Education Director, Rosemary Birenge, stated that the introduction of maritime technology in the curriculum starting at Grade 10 shows the Government’s commitment to exposing students to fisheries sector opportunities. Accompanied by students and teachers from various schools, she emphasized sensitization efforts in all county schools, working closely with partners to impart knowledge.
Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association Secretary, Pete Ondeng, highlighted the need for collaboration among sector players to share knowledge and support the sector’s growth.
