Siaya: Fish from Kenyan ponds can now access the European market after the government reached an agreement with the European Union, the deputy director of fisheries in Siaya, David Mboya has said. Mboya is now challenging the youth to venture into aquaculture to take advantage of the newfound overseas market to improve their livelihood.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking during the Siaya County fish farmer’s linkage forum held at Simenya in Ugunja subcounty, Mboya stated that the new agreement includes tilapia as one of the products to be exported. Previously, only Nile perch from Lake Victoria was exported, but under this new arrangement, tilapia from fish ponds will also be sent to the European market. The forum was organized by the Youth In Sustainable Agriculture (YISA).
Mboya urged Siaya residents to capitalize on the new export market by ensuring the production of quality fish to meet both local and export demands. He praised the state department of fisheries, the Kenya fisheries service, and other stakeholders for their efforts in securing the market. He emphasized that the responsibility now lies with fish farmers and aquaculture participants to ensure quality fish is available for the market.
During the event, Youth in Sustainable Agriculture (YISA) coordinator Lucas Abila and deputy programme manager for Farm Africa, Evans Okach, encouraged young Kenyans to enter the rapidly growing fish farming sector. Abila highlighted YISA’s commitment to supporting youth in agribusiness to boost production and income at the household level, targeting the creation of 150,000 jobs in six counties, including Siaya. He noted that 85% of these jobs are expected to be filled by young women, who will play a significant role in the aquaculture value chain as traders and owners of value chain aggregation centres.
Samuel Odhiambo Mudhune, the forum host, urged the youth not to shy away from agriculture, emphasizing its importance in the country’s development. He shared his personal experience, stating that food production is a crucial sector of the economy and can be a fulfilling endeavor for the youth.