The Kenyan government has disbursed Sh128 million in grants to fish farmers across 15 counties under the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP).
This initiative, co-funded by the government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to promote sustainability and profitability for smallholder fish farmers.
The grants will benefit Smallholder Aquaculture Groups (SAGs), including those led by women and youth, as well as Aquaculture Support Enterprises (ASEs) and Aquaculture Field Schools (AFSs).
ABDP has supported Kenyan fish farmers for several years, with the latest funding set to assist enterprises along the entire aquaculture value chain, including pond construction, fish feed production, value addition, and transportation.
The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, officiated the grant distribution. Kakamega County received Sh18,170,000, which will support over 2,944 farmers.
Joho highlighted that since its launch, ABDP has invested more than Sh257 million in Kakamega County.
This investment has funded pond liners, predator kits (worth about Sh188 million), the construction of the Kakamega Fresh Fish Market (at a cost of Sh10 million), the provision of fingerlings (Sh18 million), and fish feed supplies (Sh41 million).
“We are launching today’s Sh128 million grant, and we expect to receive around Sh329 million in the second phase. We encourage more proposals to demonstrate that these programs are having a tangible impact and improving lives,” Joho stated.

The CS emphasized the government’s focus on investing in the blue economy, aiming to revolutionize the fishing sector and improve livelihoods.
He also announced a Sh1.6 billion investment to build landing sites across Lake region counties and the coastal areas, which will be equipped with ice-making machines and cooling systems.
“We are constructing 10 fish markets in 10 counties at a cost of Sh70 million. By enhancing market access, we aim to increase production and ensure adequate outlets for fish farmers,” Joho added.
The government will also invest approximately Sh100 million in fingerling production to address challenges faced by farmers seeking high-quality fingerlings. Additionally, the ABDP will allocate Sh359 million for procuring cages in the Lake region to support local fishermen, alongside providing cages, fingerlings, and feeding programs for sustainable growth.
“We’re continuing to roll out our investment in pond liners and predator nets, with a total investment of Sh1.8 billion. We are committed to ensuring that these resources reach the right people on time and fulfill their intended purpose,” Joho said.
Governor Fernandes Barasa of Kakamega noted that the ABDP has supported 2,885 level 1 farmers with predator or bird net kits, PVC liners, fingerlings, and fish feeds.

He also shared that the program has led to the establishment of 87 Aquaculture Smallholder Groups (ASGs) and 90 Aquaculture Small Enterprises (ASEs) in the county.