Nyong'o distributes Sh2 million fingerlings to fish farmers

Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o on Tuesday distributed fingerlings and feeds to fish farmers at Ogal beach.

The Sh2 million fingerlings and feeds worth Sh1 million went to 94 farmers, courtesy of partneship between the county government of Kisumu and the national government.

The farmers were the most affected with fish kills witnessed in natural waters and fish cages in Lake Victoria, between September and November, 2022.

Research revealed that death of fish was caused by low oxygen levels, emanating from decomposition of organic matter/pollutants due to increased nutrient enrichment within the Lake or from land, among other causes.

Nyong'o said the occurance caused farmers loses running into millions of shillings.

"The loss due to fish kills within the county was estimated at Sh884,814,000. The highest losses were experienced by Kentila Farms and Lake Aqua Ltd at Sh200,400,000 and 138,000,000, respectively. Unfortunately, both are here in Ogal beach," said the county chief.

"Out of the 8 landing beaches reported to have experienced fish kills in the county, Ogal had the highest number of cage farmers who were affected, accounting for 85% of the loses," he added.

He assured fish farmers that his administration will continue supporting them, whenever need be.

"My Government wishes to assure the fisher folks at Ogal and the entire county that we will stand with you at all times. We are working on policies that will improve fish farming, especially aquaculture and Blue Economy in general."

He urged fish farmers to take care of the Lake, by fighting pollution of the water body.

Lake Victoria is the biggest resource in the Lake Region Economic Block (LREB), which brings together 14 counties.

They are Busia, Siaya, Vihiga, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet, Kericho, Nandi, Kakamega, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.

Nyong'o is the current LREB chairman. He took over from former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya in 2022.