The County Government of Siaya, in collaboration with development partners including Innoecofood, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), the European Union, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Peche Foods, and TECAFILI, on 2nd May officially handed over farmland at Samuga, Got Osimbo, Sigomere Ward, for fish production and related products.
The event, presided over by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Irrigation, Food, Livestock, and Fisheries, Mr. Sylvester K’Okoth, on behalf of Governor James Orengo, highlighted innovative technologies to be implemented. ICIPE will promote the cultivation of specific worms to serve as feed for chickens, fish, and pigs, while also ensuring that garbage and waste are repurposed for food production. Innoecofood will establish a fish processing factory and an insect processing facility at the site, producing whole fish, fillets, and value-added products such as samosas, fish powder, sausages, and fish fingers. Insect-based products, including cookies, insect powder for porridge, and bread, will also be developed.
KMFRI will contribute by providing improved fingerlings and feeds, and plans to construct a circulating aquaculture system, such as an indoor pond. JKUAT will lead the training of farmers and technical staff, establish a training center for market expansion and sensitization, and implement an AI-based monitoring system. The project is expected to produce 250 metric tonnes of tilapia and catfish annually, generating millions of shillings in revenue, creating employment, and boosting income for the region and Siaya County. Additionally, the project will produce spirulina for its nutritional and detoxifying benefits, targeting 26 metric tonnes, which could yield Sh50 million for the community and county upon successful sales.
JKUAT will provide a marketing platform leveraging the Internet of Things, while ICIPE will supply technology for utilizing insects as fish meal and feeds. KMFRI will oversee the main EcoHub, which will house all operations, including processing areas for fish and spirulina, and support production through an indoor aquaculture circulation system. Peche Foods will assist with value addition for processing and marketing.
The event was attended by Chief Officers Madam Elizabeth Adongo (Agriculture), Mr. Joseph Omondi (Lands), Ugunja Municipality Manager Mr. Fredrick Opondo, and the host MCA, Hon. Andrew Omwende, among others.