County Residents Back KSh1 Billion KMFRI Aquaculture Centre in Kakamega
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KAKAMEGA — Residents of Kakamega County have thrown their full support behind the proposed establishment of a KSh1 billion Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) Research and Training Centre in Mumias West.
The project, to be implemented in phases, will occupy 25 hectares of government land in Matawa, along River Nzoia. It is set to be financed through donor support, research grants, and public-private partnerships under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding signed between KMFRI and the County Government of Kakamega.
The County Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives conducted a public hearing this week to gather views from residents and stakeholders. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
“This centre will transform aquaculture in Kakamega by offering access to quality fingerlings and feed, creating jobs, supporting restocking of rivers, and attracting serious investment in fish farming,” noted one resident during the hearing.
Key expected benefits include:
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Employment for youth and local communities
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Research into high-value fish species
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Enhanced fish feed production
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Technical training and aquaculture innovation
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Support for river ecosystem restoration
Leaders praised the initiative as timely, strategic, and aligned with the county’s broader economic development agenda. Once operational, the centre is expected to position Kakamega as a regional hub for aquaculture research and production.
The committee has committed to fast-tracking necessary legislation and providing oversight to ensure the project’s timely rollout.
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