Homa Bay County Fisheries and aquaculture development policy

Abstract

Homa Bay County is endowed with rich natural freshwater resources. The county covers an area of 4,267.1 km2, inclusive of the water surface, which on its own covers an area of 1,227 km2. The County’s weather is suitable for high potential and increased fisheries and aquaculture development. The County enjoys the largest surface area of Lake Victoria in Kenya (approximately 55% of Kenya’s surface area of Lake Victoria) compared to the Counties of Siaya, Migori, Kisumu and Busia. It has rivers, wetlands, water reservoirs, valley dams and ponds whose potential, if well harnessed, can generate many metric tons of fish. However, the current production is only 39,000 MT of capture fisheries and 130 MT from aquaculture. This under performance in the capture fisheries is attributed to limited regulation, lack of proper enforcement of laws and guidelines, which has led to the use of illegal, destructive gears that catch immature fish. In addition, aquaculture is constrained by limited investment in fish farming; high cost of inputs; limited access to high-quality fish seed and feed; and inadequate extension services. Both capture and aquaculture production systems face challenges of high post-harvest losses; inadequate human, technological and infrastructural capacity at all stages of the value-chain leading to low production and overall productivity. This policy, done with a gender sensitive lens and considering affirmative action issues, will go a long way in addressing these challenges. The County Government has been working and proposes to continue working with all stakeholders to address these challenges through the implementation of this policy. This policy includes a stronger emphasis on aquaculture development, which is critical in bridging the gap in fish production in light of declining stocks from the wild. This policy will significantly support the creation of decent employment; lift up household and national incomes; food and nutritional security. The Vision of this policy is ‘A vibrant, modern, commercialised, and sustainably managed, county fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector’.