WUNDANYI, Kenya – Taita Taveta County joined the global community in celebrating World Fisheries Day at the Horticultural Practical Centre (HPC) in Wundanyi, spotlighting major strides made in strengthening the fisheries and aquaculture sector. This year’s global theme was “Nurturing Fish, Feeding Future; Sustainable Aquaculture for Resilient Communities.”
Speaking during the event, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Blue Economy, Katuu Mzenge, said the sector has recorded impressive development over the last three years, driven by increased investment in fish farming and stronger community-led institutions.
Mzenge revealed that more than 120 new fish ponds and two modern fish cages have been established, translating to a 30% increase in active ponds. To further boost production, the county has distributed over 200,000 tilapia and catfish fingerlings to farmers.
He added that the sector continues to benefit from the county’s natural water bodies—including Lake Jipe and Lake Chala—as well as vibrant Beach Management Units and Community Interest Groups. Many of these units have since transitioned into cooperatives, collectively managing over 100 tonnes of fish annually. Currently, the county has 760 registered aquaculture farmers, with 452 active ponds in operation.
Mzenge further highlighted expanded collaboration with private sector players and development partners such as Ivian Farm, MEDA and Awfbwek, whose support is driving improvements in feed quality, reducing post-harvest losses and promoting modern production technologies. The county is also benefiting from the national KEMFSED Blue Economy Programme, a five-year initiative to strengthen coastal and inland fisheries across Kenya.
Chief Officer for Fisheries, Mcharo Mwalugha, urged farmers to apply the knowledge and training provided by the county, noting that plans are underway to revive abandoned ponds and increase household participation in aquaculture.
Local fish farmers, including Philip Msagha and John Mwanjala, praised the county for sustained support, saying it has boosted yields and farmer confidence. They, however, appealed for better water access, more affordable fish feed and pond liners to increase profitability.
During the event, the county government—together with development partner Awfbwek—also issued fisheries equipment to farmer groups across all four sub-counties. The donation aims to improve value addition and enhance post-harvest handling as the county moves to position aquaculture as a major contributor to local food security and household income.
With aquaculture gaining momentum and sustained investment flowing in, Taita Taveta County says it is committed to building a resilient, modern and commercially viable fisheries sector that empowers farmers and strengthens community livelihoods for years to come.
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