KMFRI invests US$7.7M to launch third national facility in Kakamega

KENYA – The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) has announced plans to invest Sh1 billion (approx. US$7.7 million) to establish a state-of-the-art aquaculture research and training centre in Mumias West, Kakamega County. 

The project marks a significant boost for fish farming in Kenya’s western region, with construction set to begin following the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the County Government of Kakamega on 28 January 2025.

Kakamega will become the third county to host a KMFRI facility, following Kisumu and Mombasa. The new centre is expected to serve not only Kakamega but also neighbouring counties in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), significantly boosting the region’s blue economy.

“This project will serve all counties around Kakamega,” said Timothy Anzetse, MCA for Lubinu/Lusheya Ward and Chair of the County Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives. 

“It’s only the third of its kind in the country. The centre will help our youth not only gain agricultural knowledge but also secure meaningful employment in aquaculture.”

The initiative has received widespread public support. During a public participation forum at Kakamega Social Hall, residents described the project as a much-needed boost for fish farming in the region.

“We have our own Kakamega Fish Plant, but with the establishment of this facility, as farmers and locals, we welcome the move because it is going to turn around our venture, boost our economic standards and uplift our lives,” said James Olaka, a resident of Mumias West. “We therefore endorse the establishment of the facility.”

Community members also urged speedy implementation. Isaac Jirau from Likuyani called on the county government to fast-track the project’s rollout, while Nancy Obilo from Lurambi emphasised the importance of the centre for young people seeking practical aquaculture skills.

Modern infrastructure and regional impact

The centre will be constructed on 25 hectares of public land secured at Matawa along the River Nzoia in Mumias West Sub-County. It will include hatcheries, fish feed processing units, demonstration ponds, laboratories, administrative buildings, and a training complex.

“One of the key conditions of the MoU was that sufficient government land be identified for the project, and we have secured 25 hectares of public land at Matawa,” said Dr Barack Otieno, Chief Officer in charge of Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships. “The project is valued at KSh1 billion and will be rolled out in phases.”

According to Dr Otieno, funding for the centre will come from a combination of donor support, research grants, member contributions, subscriptions, and other aligned sources. 

He also revealed that satellite aquaculture stations will be set up in sub-counties with rivers to extend the centre’s reach.

The Director of Fisheries, Mr Jonathan Masava, highlighted the region’s high potential for aquaculture development. 

“KMFRI’s presence will be transformative, and it will function like KALRO but specifically for fisheries. It will help improve fish varieties for farming and even support the restocking of our rivers,” he said.

The centre’s research and training programmes will cover freshwater fisheries, hatchery management, fish feed formulation, value addition, and aquaculture extension services.

It aims to enhance productivity and profitability for local fish farmers through access to modern inputs, techniques, and market linkages.

Zeddy Gilbert, a resident of Mumias, urged KMFRI to integrate modern technologies and revive dormant fish ponds to help farmers maximise production.

International backing and a vision for the future

The initiative has already caught the eye of global stakeholders. The World Bank has shown interest in supporting the project through its Blue Economy programme, underscoring its potential to catalyse economic and environmental benefits across western Kenya.

As plans move forward, expectations are high that the KMFRI centre in Kakamega will emerge as a model for inclusive and sustainable aquaculture development in Kenya and the broader East African region.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.