By Lenah Bosibori
Fish farming in Kenya remains one of the most overlooked yet highly profitable agricultural venture. Unlike crop farming, it is largely free from pests and diseases, requiring only the right feed and water management for optimal yields. With a rising demand for fish, particularly tilapia, the industry presents vast economic opportunities for farmers willing to invest in modern aquaculture techniques.
Despite its potential, many small-scale fish farmers in Kenya struggle to sustain their businesses due to financial constraints. According to James Odede, Co-Founder and CTO of Aquareech, a Kenya-based company that supports fish farmers, access to capital remains a significant hurdle especially for women.
“One of the biggest challenges facing small-scale fish farmers is access to capital, many struggle with feed costs, as fish feed is expensive. This forces some to resort to homemade feeds, which often yield poor results,” Odede told Africa Science News.
To address the financial challenges, Aquareech has come up with a strategy that provides financing support to small-scale women fish farmers without requiring collateral or monthly repayments.
“When you tell a woman fish farmer that we are not going to ask for collateral or monthly payments, it becomes more accessible and unlocks more capital for them,” Odede explained to the Africa Science News.
Empowering Farmers Through Financing and Training
Speaking on Tuesday in Nairobi during a multi-sectoral conference that engaged the private sector on advancing gender mainstreaming, access to finance and responsible business models for Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector in Kenya, Odede shared that Aquareech works with cage and pond tilapia farmers to provide financing, technical training, and market access.
“We have introduced a credit-based feed supply model, allowing farmers to buy quality fish feeds on credit and repay after harvesting, we are currently in 10 counties, supporting over 450 women fish traders and 120 women fish farmers,” he shared.
Kenya’s Fish Import Problem
Kenya imports more than half of the fish consumed in the country, a clear indication that local production is failing to meet demand. Odede sees this as an opportunity for local farmers to scale up.
“One of the main reasons farmers can’t meet demand is a lack of access to credit. The government needs to step in and subsidize fish feeds, just as it does with fertilizers,” he emphasizes.
Fish farming has lower risks compared to other agricultural ventures, it is not affected by droughts, pests, or diseases. “Tilapia farming is one of the least risky forms of agriculture. Whether it rains or not, the fish continue to grow. The key is using high-quality feed to maximize productivity,” Odede explains.
Proper water management is also crucial
Odede adds that fish farmers need to regularly drain and refresh the water if they are using ponds. “If you are using a pond, regularly drain and refresh the water. Feed the fish the right quantity and maintain the water quality,” advises Odede.
According to him, with the right investments and policies, Kenya’s fish farming industry has the potential to transform agriculture, create jobs, and improve food security.
Katie Brauer, Senior Project Leader, Open Capital Advisors (OCA), in her remarks also shared that financial inclusion and training are critical for women entrepreneurs in agriculture.
“One of the struggles women entrepreneurs’ faces is sensitization, both from their perspective and from their families or male counterparts. There is still a belief that women can’t succeed in such businesses,” Brauer explains
To address this, OCA has also supported 30 businesses in agriculture, energy, mobility, logistics, and waste management through tailored mentorship and peer learning programs. “We aim to unlock growth potential, provide access to finance, and accelerate social and environmental impact,” Brauer adds.
The Future of Fish Farming in Kenya
With strategic financial solutions, technical training, and policy support, fish farming could bridge Kenya’s fish supply gap, reduce imports, and empower more farmers especially women to thrive in aquaculture.
“Fish farming is not just about food security, it’s about creating sustainable businesses that transform lives,” reiterates Brauer.
Grace Wachori, the Regional Director for Africa at the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) told Africa Science News noted the significant role women play in Kenya’s economy, adding that they make up most small business owners. “If you support women, you uplift the entire communities out of poverty,” she says, highlighting the transformative impact of investing in women entrepreneurs.