This article focuses on fish farming in Kenya. Fish farming is a form of aquaculture that is widely practised in Kenya for commercial purposes and domestic consumption.
Tilapia constitutes the largest portion of fish farmed in Kenya. This is mainly because of its huge demand in the local market.
Factors To Consider Before Venturing Into Fish Farming In Kenya
Below are some of the key factors to consider before venturing into fish farming.
1. Land for fish farming. The land should be relatively level. Level land is the best for constructing fish ponds.
2. Availability of a water source, for example, a river, stream, spring or lake.
3. Suitable transportation system, that is if fish farming is for commercial purposes.
4. Market for the fish, that is if the fish is farmed for commercial purposes.
5. Select the best fish species that grow faster and have a huge demand in the market. For this case, the pond design should be based on the fish species.
Fish Farming Methods In Kenya
Freshwater Pond Fish Farming
This involves the rearing of fish in an artificial or natural pond.
Integrated Fish Farming
It is a fish farming method that involves domesticating fish with crops or animals in the same pond or water body. Fish can be integrated with vegetables, rice or animals such as ducks.
Integration can be beneficial to the fish as wastes from some of the animals can be used as food for the fish.
Coastal Aquaculture/ Brackish Water Finfish Culture
It is a fish farming method that involves rearing of sea creatures (seafood) such as lobsters, crabs… etc. The method is however not popular in Kenya.
Mariculture
Mariculture is a fish farming method that is practised in a deep marine environment.
Systems of Fish Farming
Extensive system
It is a fish farming system where fish are stocked in floating cages and left to fend for themselves.
Semi-intensive system
The system is mainly used for domestic Nile tilapia. Holding units for this type of system are cages and earthen ponds. Organic and chemical fertilisers are used to boost the natural productivity of fish in the fish pond.
Intensive System
It is a fish farming system used for rainbow trout raceway culture. It may also involve the use of holding units and floating cages.
Fish Feed
The biggest challenge that most fish farmers face is getting the appropriate feed for the fish. Commercial fish feeds are very expensive and can drain a farmer’s pocket.
To cut on the costs of purchasing commercial fish feeds, you can use locally available fish ingredients or raw materials such as cotton seed cake, wheat and rice bran to produce fish feed.
Fish Market In Kenya
There is a ready market for fish and fish products in Kenya. Fish is a very popular delicacy in Kenya. It is actually a staple food to some people especially those in Nyanza or the lakeside region.
Fish can be sold in local open-air markets, supplied to supermarkets, schools, hotels and restaurants.
You will fetch a good market price, especially for species such as Tilapia.
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