Aquaculture Project Boosts Nutrition and Livelihoods in Uasin Gishu

In Summary

• Over 2,000 fingerlings stocked in Chepsaita aquaculture project, Ngenyilel Ward, Turbo Sub-County.
• Supported by Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme for food security.
• Targets improved nutrition, income, and climate resilience for local households.
• County plans to expand aquaculture with fingerlings, pond liners, and training.
• Challenges include water access, feed costs, and need for cooperative structures.
• Uasin Gishu aims to become a regional hub for certified fingerlings by 2027.

The Chepsaita aquaculture project in Ngenyilel Ward, Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, has stocked over 2,000 fingerlings as part of a transformative initiative to enhance nutrition and livelihoods, according to a progress inspection led by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Environment, Natural Resources, Energy, and Water, Anthony Sitienei, on August 5, 2025.

Funded under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme, the project promotes climate-smart aquaculture to bolster food security and generate income, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and mothers.

Sitienei described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Chepsaita residents, noting its dual role in providing sustainable nutrition and economic opportunities. “This project empowers communities to take ownership of their food systems while building climate resilience,” he said during the inspection. The county has identified additional sites, including Chepkemel Dam and Kunguna River, for water harvesting to support similar projects.

The initiative aligns with Uasin Gishu’s broader aquaculture push, supported by a KSh 10 million fish hatchery established in 2020 with the University of Eldoret (UoE). The hatchery supplies certified tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch fingerlings at subsidized rates, addressing farmer concerns about access to quality stock.

Fisheries Chief Officer Nixon Cheplong emphasized cooperative structures, urging farmers to join societies like the Aquacultural Association of Kenya to leverage resources and improve profitability.

Farmers like Joan Jerotich from Tapsagoi Ward, a 24-year-old success story, highlight aquaculture’s potential. “Fish farming has given me a steady income and a chance to inspire other youth,” she said. However, challenges persist, including high feed costs, water scarcity, and limited training.

The county’s pellet mill in Mugundoi aims to produce affordable, quality fish feed, while training programs with UoE offer free consultancy and study tours to Central Kenya’s fish farms.

Uasin Gishu’s efforts build on stocking initiatives, such as the 20,000 fingerlings restocked in Kesses Dam in October 2024. The county aims to commercialize aquaculture, tapping into Eldoret’s growing fish demand and reducing reliance on maize and wheat.

By 2027, Uasin Gishu plans to become a regional hub for certified fingerlings, supported by partnerships with the Kenya Fisheries Service and the World Bank.

Farmers have called for more pond liners, harvesting nets, and irrigation support to scale production. Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea, speaking at a recent World Fisheries Day event, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to distributing these resources, targeting a 4% increase in fish farming households by 2026 to enhance food security and job creation.