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ACTIVITY REPORT-KENYA

STRENGTHENING REGIONAL CAPACITY IN RESEARCH AND TRAINING IN FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE FOR IMPROVED FOOD SECURITY AND

LIVELIHOODS IN EASTERN AFRICA

STRECAFISH Project Stakeholders Workshop, 9th December 2015, Eden rock Hotel,

Kapsabet, Nandi County, Kenya

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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

1) Prof. Puis Kipkemboi- Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration & Finance

2) Prof. Julius Manyala - HOD FAS

3) Ms. Hellen Inyangala- U.O.E Fisheries Staff

4) Ms. Gladys Kiptum- Uasin Gishu County Fisheries directorate

5) Mr. Boswony Matthias-Baringo County Fisheries directorate

6) Mr. David Kemboi- Nandi County Fisheries directorate

7) Mr. Gilbert Gatamo- Aqualife solutions

8) Mr. Lawi Kiplagat- LBDA Project Manager

9) Mr. Kevine Obiero- KMFRI

10) Mr. Makanda Johnstone- ASDSP officer

11) Ms. Judith Muya- Nandi Fisheries Officer

12) Mr. Andrew Tarus- Hatchery Technician

13) Mr. Moses Kipkitui-Farmer

14) Mr. Bernard Saina- Farmer

15) Mr. Isaac Choge-Farmer

16) Mr. Joel Limoli- Farmer

17) Ms. Lydia Cherono-Farmer

18) Mr. Jonathan Boor-Farmer

19) Ms. Rosebella Ngeny-Farmer

20) Mr. Nicholas Sang-Farmer

21) Mr. Kosgei Julius- Farmer

22) Ms. Valentine Jepkosgei- Farmer

23) Mr. Charles Rutto- Farmer

24) Mr. Joseph Mutai-Farmer

25) Mr. Robert Kasasi- Farmer

26) Mr. Japheth Amutete- Farmer

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1. INTRODUCTION

The meeting was called to sensitize stakeholders on the objectives of the STRECAFISH PROJECT and for

the project to engage with the stakeholders and solicit their support. The Kenyan coordinator of the project

(Prof. Kaunda-Arara) explained to the participants that STRECAFISH is a regional Project and its aim was

to strengthen regional capacity in research and training in Fisheries and Aquaculture. The project is a

partnership between the University of Eldoret, Makerere University, Ethiopian Institute for Agricultural

Research (EIAR) and BOKU University in Austria. The main aim of the project is to foster aquaculture and

fisheries development through training and research.

Other objectives of the project as explained by the coordinator:

� Developing networking platforms to guide and facilitate the project (letters of

agreement with stakeholders).

o Re-alignment of curricula

o Staff exchange between the partners

o Student exchange between the partners

o Sharing of facilities between the partners

� Fostering aquaculture development through training and research

o Training of fish farmers

o Fisheries development research

o Student based research (MSc & Ph.D levels)

� Two students have been chosen from Kenya to study in Austria. To do their

research on identified projects.

The aims of the stakeholder workshop were summarized as:

� To identify training needs of stakeholders

� To identify researchable challenges

� To determine levels of capacity ( facilities and equipment) of the stakeholders

� To determine areas of collaboration with the stakeholders

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2: HEAD OF DEPARTMENT’S REMARKS In his speech to the participants, the Head of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (Prof.

Manyala, Acting Head) at the University of Eldoret, highlighted the number of projects in the department

that could complement the STRECAFISH PROJECT: These projects are:

1. EU- EDULINK Project (Training at M.Sc & Ph.D in Aquaculture) in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia

and South Africa.

2, The Aquafish Project – USAID is in the following nine (9) countries- Latin America, Mexico, Ghana,

Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nepal Asia and Vietnam.

3. Uasin Gishu Country and University of Eldoret project- it is an extension service to farmers.

The head of department indicated his support for the project.

The head pledged support for the project in meeting its objectives.

3: VICE CHANCELLOR’S OPENING SPEECH (University of Eldoret)

The following is verbatim report of the Vice Chancellor’s Opening remarks to the participants:

The Strecafish Project whose theme is capacity building through research and training for improved

livelihoods is a relevant project given the ever increasing need for food security. The ever increasing

national and global populations means that more food protein sources is required. The wild fish stocks are

dwindling in Kenya and worldwide and cannot sustain the demands for food. Aquaculture is the obvious

alternative as it can provide large quantities of healthier protein food to address protein and nutritional

security. However, this potential is underutilized even though Kenya’s Aquaculture production has

increased 4-folds to about 40000MT per year in the last five years. The fast growing aquaculture

sector is in need of innovations to help enhance production levels.

Therefore, the partnership between the University of Eldoret, Makerere University, BOKU University and

the Ethiopian Agricultural Institute within the STRECAFISH Project is important in meeting this target of

enhanced production. Issues like improvements in fish nutrition, production of quality fingerlings, post-

harvest losses and economics of production amongst others require urgent solutions that I hope the project

will address.

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It is refreshing that fish farmers have been incorporated by the project as stakeholders. This is an

important bottom-up approach to solving and understanding stakeholder problems. The University of

Eldoret is encouraging its departments to reach out to communities through projects like the STRECAFISH

as part of its outreach mission. This way the university can transfer the technologies, knowledge and skills

to the communities and hence contribute positively to societal change. It is therefore expected that the

STRECAFISH project will, with the help of stakeholders, identify the production challenges facing the fish

farmers in the region and through training, research and networking provide solutions to these problems.

The objective to help review and enrich curricula in the universities is a noble one. It is therefore my hope

that the project will help identify areas in the curriculum of fisheries that needs improving in order to

produce fit-for-purpose graduates that can be of more benefit to the aquaculture industry including

strengthening the e-education platform. The university on its part will provide the necessary support.

4: PRESENTATIONS BY STAKEHOLDERS

I. Highlights from stakeholders-Vihiga County

The following issues were the highlights of a presentation given by a fish farmer from

Vihiga County:

• That quality fish feed was a problem

• That there was lack of quality fingerlings, there was no standardized procedure

for seed production

• That there was no sustainable organism agriculture

• That there was low fish farming awareness in Vihiga County despite several attempts to educate

farmers through a local FM radio “Anyole”

II. HIGH LIGHTS FROM STAKEHOLDER’S- UASIN GISHU COUNTY

The following were the highlights of the presentation given by fish farmers from Uasin Gishu

County:

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� That there were 1500 (one thousand five hundred) farmers who begun Fish farming especially after

the introduction of the economic stimulus programme by the Kenya government.

� That most of them had dropped off because of the following challenges:-

1. Ponds drying up.

2. That the availability of feeds is at a high cost e.g. (Ksh. 1800)

3. High cost of feeds

4. Poor market strategies for fish in the county

5. That the period the fish takes to mature is very long hence discouraging the farmers

6. Poor pond management strategies due to lack of knowledge by farmers

7. That the fingerlings are bought from as far as Nyanza County, i.e. it takes a long time

to get the fingerlings transported leading to high stress levels and eventually mass

mortality.

Proposals from the county following the presentation:

� To do revised ponds – The cost of the pond liners is high.

� The formulation of the feed is a problem.

� The challenge of the market is being solved through AAK

� To get an Aqua-shop in the County.

� That a research be done on fish that can mature faster.

� There is need for a lot of training on pond management

� To expedite on the county fingerlings project.

III: HIGH LIGHTS FROM STAKEHOLDERS- UASIN GISHU COUNTY FISHERIES OFFICE

The following highlights formed the presentation of a Fisheries Officer from the Uasin Gishu County:

That Uasin Gishu County has a total area of 3,328km2 and has a population of 894,179, the temperature

levels are 18oC to 26oC. There are 1712 fish farmers in Uasin Gishu and only about 100 are active. The

farmers have harvested 15,732,000 fish in Uasin Gishu County.

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Challenges to Aquaculture production in the county:

• That there was low production and productivity in the County.

• That there was no authenticated hatchery in the County and fish farmers had to go all the way to

Jewlet , Siaya , Kisii, or Kendubay for fingerlings.

• That 60% (sixty percent) of fish production cost came from feeds.

• That the fish feeds are of poor quality. That the floating feeds are actually sinking in some cases.

• .The fish farmers still cannot access market for their produce. That there were also environmental

issues, i.e. very low temperatures in the county thus leading to slow growth of fish.

• That there were also socio-cultural issues in the community; the community does not value fish

farming. But After fish eating campaigns and increased publicity this trend is changing with many

developing interest in aquaculture and consuming fish.

• That there was no availability of pond liners, most of the distributors are in Nairobi thus farmers

have to travel long distances to purchase the product.

• That there was low skill level of management in the fish farming industry in the county

• That there was also lack of credit facilities for fish farmers.

IV: HIGH LIGHTS FROM STAKEHOLDERS- NANDI COUNTY FISHERIES OFFICE

The following highlights formed the presentation of a Fisheries Officer from the Nandi County

It was reported that the County aims at being a leading producer of fish in North-rift region of the country.

Challenges to fish farming include:

• Staff training non existence

• Inadequate funding to facilitate extension programmes

• Low temperatures hence slow growth of fish

• Farmers who have adopted greenhouse technology having serious water quality problems

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• Low numbers of extension and fisheries officers

• Issues to do with poor marketing strategies

• Expensive and poor quality fish feeds gotten from different suppliers

• No clear channels of forming cooperatives for farmers

V: HIGH LIGHTS FROM STAKEHOLDERS- ASDSP REPRESENTATIVE (Agricultural Sector

Development Support Programme )

The following were the highlights of the presentation given by a representative of ASDSP in Western Kenya:

Its mandate is to strengthen capacity and bring different stakeholders on board. The program is funded by SIDA and

the Government of Kenya.

The programs mandate is to:

� Create awareness on environmental resilience and social inclusion,

� Create training plat foams,

� Spear head the adoption of new technologies in especially fish production, pond construction and

feed technology by linking different stakeholders hence helping farmers improve their practices

VI: HIGH LIGHTS FROM STAKEHOLDERS- THE LAKE BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (LBDA)

The following were the highlights of the presentation given by a representative from LBDA:

It is a state corporation covering about 17 sub-counties. It has 6 integrated fish farms in 6 counties, one

hatchery, one training facility and a feed mill.

Its strategy for implementation is;

� Integrated planning coordination

� Resource mobilization

� Creation of technology and transfer centers

� Promotion of fish farmers

Challenges

� Inadequate trained staff

� Rejection of hormonal reversed fish by customers

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� Inadequate facilities and equipment

� High operating costs

� High costs of feeds

� Poor broodstock quality

� Farmer capacity

� Challenges in rice cum fishing

� Stocking fish all the water bodies within the region

Areas of research

� Slow pace in technology transfer

� Innovative feed manufacture fit for small scale farmers

� Use of locally available ingredients to make fish feeds

� Establishment of broodstock farms

� Technological innovations on production of fish

VII: HIGH LIGHTS FROM STAKEHOLDERS- THE KENYA MARINE AND FISHERIES RESEARCH

INSTITUTE (KMFRI)

The following were the highlights of the presentation given by a representative from KMFRI:

� Established by an Act of Kenyan Parliament (Science and Technology Act, Cap 250 of the

Laws of Kenya of 1979). Act repealed by Science, Technology and Innovation Act No. 28

of 2013.

� Vision: “To be a centre of excellence in aquatic research and promotion of sustainable

utilization of marine and freshwater resources for national development”.

� Mission: To contribute to the management and sustainable exploitation of aquatic

resources and thus alleviate poverty, enhance employment creation and food security

through multidisciplinary and collaborative research in both marine and fresh-water aquatic

systems.

Roles

a) To conduct multidisciplinary and collaborative research of fish ecology, population dynamics, stock

assessment and general aquatic ecology.

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b) To collect and disseminate scientific information on fisheries and other aquatic resources and

related natural products.

c) To study and identify suitable species for culture including development, adoption and transfer of

rearing technology and procedure.

d) To study chemical and physical processes that affect productivity of aquatic ecosystems.

e) To monitor water quality and pollution in fresh and marine water environments.

f) To carry out socio-economic research on aspects relevant to fisheries, environment and other

aquatic resources.

g) To establish a marine and freshwater collection for research and training purposes.

h) To offer training facilities to aquatic scientists.

i) To conduct research on fish quality control, post-harvest preservation and value addition

technologies.

KMFRI is tasked with leading National Aquaculture Development through scientific research and

development of Demand-Driven Research Agenda:

• Nile tilapia genetic characterization and improvement

• Formulation of cost effective and quality fish feeds

• Development of cost-effective culture systems (e.g. cages, tanks, RAS, ponds (lined, earthen)

• Post harvest handling technologies and value addition innovations

• Market research (outlets and linkages for farmed products using ICTs e.g. EFMIS and AMIP)

• Live feeds research and production (Artemia and other live feeds)

• Environmental sustainability and Best Management Practices (EIAs and EMPs)

• KMFRI has developed value addition and processing technologies for post-harvest handling of

tilapia and catfish including (Fish balls, Sausages, Fish fingers, Samosas etc.

Feed formulation, Production and Distribution to Farmers

• Focuses on locally available ingredients and by-products (Proximate analysis done for 40

ingredients)

• Develop standards for fish feed quality control

• Formulated 5 diets for different developmental stages for tilapia, catfish and Ningu, produced and

distributed to farmers

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• Mass production of formulated feeds (PPP with Industry & Bidii Fish Farmers)

Research facilities

• Strategic location of KMFRI centres and stations in major water bodies in Kenya.

• Moderately equipped laboratories, libraries and ICT facilities.

• Rubber dinghies and Fibre glass boat, Vehicles

• Three (3) sea going research vessels (RV Mtafiti)

• Hatcheries, ponds, cages, lab equipment, pelletizer machines, tanks, aerators, water quality

measuring equipment etc.

Areas of collaboration

• A large pool of well trained and experienced research and technical staff in multidisciplinary

fields. Presently the Institute has 121 ROs of which 21 have PhD, 66 MSc and 34 are BSc holders

supported by 123 technicians and technologists with Ordinary and Higher National Diplomas.

• Centre of Excellence in Fisheries and Aquatic Research with clearly defined research

programmes with good research facilities.

• Good database and information system for analyzing, disseminating and archival of information.

• Partnerships and Linkages - Strong network of national, regional and international collaborators

and partners e.g. World Bank, EU, FAO, GEF, IFS, CIRAD, ILO, USAID, WWF, Universities,

communities etc.

• Creating opportunities and developing skills for youths through internship, industrial attachment

and apprenticeship. PC target > 450 students

VIII: HIGHLIGHTS FROM STAKEHOLDERS- AQUALIFE SOLUTIONS LTD

The following were the highlights of the presentation given by a representative from Aqualife

Solutions LTD

The firm is a private fish farming company, it aims to be the leading centre of excellence in innovation,

sustainable aquaculture, and development, integrated rural and peri-urban development

Firm aims to do the following;

� Offer consultancy and training

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� Looking for cheaply formulated feeds and seeds

� Research on fish nutrition, YY technology and sex reversal techniques in tilapia

production, integrated cage farming, recirculating aquaculture designs and management

and lastly aquaponics

Products Aqualife offers

� Extruded floating feeds

� Monosex tilapia fingerlings

� Catfish fingerlings

� Internship platfoams

Facilities Available

• Hatchery that producers over 5000 fry per week

• Brood stock

• Rearing and experimental tanks

• Feed pelletiser

Potential areas of collaboration

� Research in different aquaculture related areas

� Work together to operationalize aquaculture policies and governance

� Capacity building

� Development of materials and teaching tools

� Transfer of technological innovations to farmers and researchers

PLENARY SESSION RESOLUTIONS

At the end of the presentations of the stakeholders a plenary session was held in which the

participants discussed the presentations in an answer- question format. The following resolutions

were arrived at by the end of this session:

� The Strecafish project should help come up with standardized and tested feed formulations

for consistencies. Problems identified through the presentations will be factored in the

planned trainings scheduled for 2016 and to be organized by the project.

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� The project will identify potential and genuine fish feed producers and avail the names to the

stakeholders

� The project will include Baringo county fish farmers in its activities

� There is need to develop strategies for seed certification in aquaculture

� There is need for the Fisheries Ministry, other stakehoders and agencies to facilitate the

development of aqua-shops within the counties.

� The project should develop a manual, brochures and flyers that will be uploaded in project

website and that can be accessed by the fish farmers.

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APPENDIX

1. WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

Time Activity Responsible Person Chair/Coordinator

9th December

Time Activity

8.30-9.00 am Registration and House keeping Mr. Ani

9:00-9:20am Remarks Prof.Liti

Introduction about Strecafish

project

Prof. Kaunda Boaz (Project

PI)

9:20-9:40am Remarks by H.O.D Fisheries Prof. Phillip Raburu

9:40-

10:00am

Opening Remarks ViceChancellor-Prof. Teresa

Akeng’a

10:00-10:30am Health break Mr. Ani

Stakeholder Presentations

10:30-

10:45am

KEMFRI Mr. Werimo Prof.Liti/Dr.

Lusega

10:45-

11:00am

LBDA Representative

11:00-

11:15am

NANDI COUNTY Fisheries Mr. Kemboi (CDF)

11:15-

11:30am

VIHIGA FARM Representative

11:30-

11:45am

PIONEER FARM Mr. Otieno Okello

11:45-12:00 AQUALIFE SOLUTIONS Mr. Gitamu

12:00-

12:15pm

Kapsabet Fish Farmers Representative

12:15-12:30 UASIN Gishu Fisheries CDF Uasin Gishu

12:30-12:45 ASDSP Mr. Makanda

12:45-13:45 Lunch break Mr. Ani

14.00-

14:30pm

Plenary session Dr.Lusega/Mr. Ani

14:30-15:50 Summary/Recap of resolutions Prof. Kaunda

15:50-16:00 Tea break Mr. Ani

16:00-16:30 Special session for networking

arrangements

Institutional representatives Prof. Liti

16:30-16:50 Departure Mr. Ani

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2. WORKSHOP PHOTO GALLERY

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