To promote sustainable aquaculture and foster inter-county collaboration, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Dr. Sam Kottut, on Tuesday, hosted a delegation from the Council of Governors’ Blue Economy and Fisheries Committee.

The team is undertaking a nationwide initiative to engage with fish farmers and document success stories, challenges, and innovations in fish farming across Kenya.

The delegation, led by Mercy Gatabi and Grace Kimani, aims to compile their findings into a detailed booklet on climate-resilient fisheries and aquaculture, which will serve as a vital tool for counties to learn from one another and drive the sector forward collaboratively.

This resource will enable counties to share knowledge, benchmark best practices, and collectively advance the aquaculture sector. The exercise reflects a growing national focus on the role of aquaculture in enhancing food security, creating youth employment, and spurring rural development.

Dr. Kottut welcomed the team, applauding the initiative’s relevance in empowering local farmers and promoting sustainable practices. He underscored the alignment of the exercise with the vision of Uasin Gishu Governor, H.E. Jonathan Bii, whose administration champions agricultural diversification and the adoption of modern farming technologies.

“This initiative presents a great opportunity for counties to collaborate and share knowledge,” said Dr. Kottut. “It will not only help farmers venture into fish farming but also strengthen food security and economic growth in rural areas. Governor Bii’s agenda is clear: uplift the farming community through innovation and support.”

Also present during the engagement was Mr. Nixon Cheplong, the County’s Livestock Chief Officer, who highlighted Uasin Gishu’s plans to develop a county-specific fish farming policy. The proposed policy will establish a structured framework for aquaculture development, encompassing farmer support, training, and market access.

Director Fisheries Edna kemei noted the need for capacity building and continuous education to help farmers maximize productivity and sustainability in the aquaculture space.