Farmer feeding his fish at a farm in western Kenya. The country produces 135,000 tonnes against the demand of 500,000 tonnes annually. Photo courtesy.

Youth from 15 counties in Eastern, Central and Western regions are set to benefit from Sh14bn funding by the national government in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to help increase fish production in the country to curb biting shortage.

In January this year the Kenyan department of fisheries lifted a ban on the import of fish from China which was imposed last year November to boost supply to bridge the demand deficit.

Kenya produces an estimated 135,000 tonnes annual against an annual demand of 500,000 tonnes. The country also imports approximately 1.8 million kilogramme of fish every month.

Last year alone, the country’s fish imports from China hit Sh1.7 billion.

RELATED CONTENT: Why fish production is declining in Kenya

The Sh14bn kitty is, therefore, will help in the purchase of fish fingerlings, feeds and construction of ponds besides training youth groups on the best fish farming practices.

It will be channeled through a programme dubbed Aquaculture Business Development which will also provide the youths with fish fingerlings and feeds for their fish ponds along with financial capital to engage in the whole aquaculture value chain in a bid to generate additional income.

RELATED CONTENT: Meru farmers rearing fish in greenhouses for better returns

The 15 counties targeted are said to have a high concentration of aquaculture activities and existing fishing infrastructure hence will make it easy for the programme rolls out.

The counties governments have been urged to support the programme by allocating complementary funds to aquaculture.

RELATED CONTENT: Government signs financial agreement with an international funding organization to boost fish farming in Kenya