By Christine Ngitori
In a significant initiative aimed at boosting the local economy and harnessing the blue economy’s potential, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hasan Joho, inaugurated the Mutonga Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute and a fresh fish market in Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency.
Addressing attendees at the Chuka DCC grounds, CS Joho highlighted his commitment to the well-being of Tharaka Nithi residents.
“This region holds immense potential for fish farming. By enhancing production, we can make it commercially viable, significantly benefiting the local economy,” he remarked.
To support this vision, he announced a provision of fish feeds totaling Ksh 34.6 million and pledged to supply fingerlings to ensure sustainable fish production.
Joho noted that the Blue Economy Department has invested Ksh 145.2 million, stressing that the primary hurdle in fish farming remains the availability of fish feeds.
He expressed optimism that research conducted in Tharaka Nithi could address this critical challenge.
Principal Secretary for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Ms Betsy Njagi, emphasized that over 5,000 fish farmers in the county will benefit from new strategies, including predator nets and improved liners.
She encouraged residents to engage more actively in fish farming as a means of increasing their income while contributing to overall economic growth.
“We will work in collaboration with the county government and local leaders to promote development across Tharaka Nithi and Kenya as a whole,” she stated.
Governor Njuki expressed his administration’s steadfast support for fish farmers, underscoring the importance of value addition and organized marketing systems to mitigate losses. He highlighted the necessity of establishing cold storage facilities to preserve harvested fish and facilitate easier access to markets.
Additionally, he announced that research from the Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute would provide crucial insights to farmers on the best fish species for the region, reducing the dependency on distant sources for fingerlings and feed.
He called for support for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) specializing in local fish food production.
Women Representative Susan Ngugi praised farmers for their commitment to fish farming and urged CS Joho to establish a center dedicated to educating farmers on fishing techniques and value addition.
Ngugi also emphasized the importance of a fish processing plant to further enhance the local fish farming sector. She recognized the health benefits of incorporating fish into diets, noting its rich essential nutrient content and its potential contribution to a healthier community.
