State of Fish, Kisii County

Kisii county is largely known for practicing agriculture. However, not very many households have accommodated fishing as a form of agriculture with the majority engaged in farming.

Vincent Nyaisu, a field officer in the department of fisheries in Bomachoge Borabu sub-county admits that many people are yet to get the requisite skills to practice fish farming.

“Majority of the farmers still use very rudimentary methods in fish farming. we encourage them to visit sub-county officers any time they need to start fish ponds to be guided,” Says Mr. Nyaisu

The few people who have embraced fish farming are equally struggling with challenges like predators, inefficient preservation methods, and lack of a certain market for their fish

According to Lawrence Maobe who is the sub-county coordinator for Bomachoge Borabu on matters of fish farming, fish farmers are incurring significant losses as a result of poor storage facilities and methods.

“Our farmers end up with nothing when their fish rot before reaching the market. The majority cannot afford modern storage and preservation technology,” Opines Mr Maobe

He advises farmers to harvest their fish early in the morning, and sprinkle them with salt after removing the intestines in order to preserve them for longer periods. However, according to Mr Maobe, fish cannot be stored for over twelve hours

There is a need for the county government to provide civic education on embracing fish farming, give incentives to fish farmers and help them access regular markets.