Tharaka Nithi fish farmers receive equipment to enhance production

Dickson Mwiti-KNA

The County Fisheries Chief Officer, Antony Kiruja, distributed oxygen cylinders and Hapa nets to four fisheries to enhance the safe transportation of fingerlings.

The Hapa nets are ideal for brooder spawning, juvenile rearing, and protection of young fish from predators.

Kiruja noted that fish farming in Tharaka Nithi has been growing rapidly, thanks to the commitment of farmers and the county government’s support.

He explained that farmers have often faced challenges such as accessing quality fingerlings, which was why the county government is supporting local hatcheries to reduce the need to source them from distant areas.

The CO added that all these efforts are to ensure farmers get the value for their money and be able to cater for other needs including paying school fees for their children.

He encouraged farmers in the county to come up with more hatcheries, assuring them of the government’s support.

Kiruja stated that the county had eight hatcheries at the time and that the county government is committed to supporting and monitoring them to ensure the production of quality fingerlings for farmers.

“The government has already established a fresh fish market at Chuka where farmers can take their mature fish for sale,” Kiruja said.    

He said the initiative underscores the county government’s commitment to promoting sustainable aquaculture and improving livelihoods across the county.