Nakuru, Kenya – In a significant boost to fish farming in Nakuru County, the Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services, Dr. Michael Cheruiyot, recently led the distribution of 3,250 fingerlings to individual fish farmers in Mogoon, Kapkures Ward, located in Nakuru Town West Sub County. This initiative, part of a broader effort to enhance local agricultural practices, is set to benefit numerous small-scale fish farmers across the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Cheruiyot emphasized the importance of training for the fish farmers from all six wards of Nakuru Town West Sub County. The training aims to ensure effective management of fish ponds, maximizing the returns from the newly distributed fingerlings, which comprise 2,500 tilapias and 750 catfish. This step is critical in light of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, necessitating a shift towards diversified farming methods. Such strategies are vital to ensuring a consistent and varied food supply for the community.
The Chief Officer acknowledged the positive shift in local agricultural practices, highlighting the increasing popularity of fish farming in a region traditionally less focused on this type of agriculture. He noted the nutritional benefits of fish, which is a rich source of protein and essential nutrients, adding that integrating fish farming with other agricultural practices offers a more balanced diet, contributing to improved health outcomes for the community.
The event also saw the participation of the MCA for Kapkures Ward, Robert Ruto, who commended the county’s initiative. He recognized fish farming as a burgeoning source of income for local farmers through the sale of mature fish. Ruto underscored the economic opportunities presented by fish farming, not just for individual farmers but for the wider community, contributing significantly to the overall food security of Nakuru County.
This program aligns with broader agricultural development goals, seeking to empower local farmers and enhance food security in the face of changing environmental conditions and evolving economic landscapes.