Gatundu North youths have been advised to diversify their sources of livelihood by embracing fish farming in their homesteads.
Fisheries deputy director in the sub county Caleb Muthama has observed that the area was suitable for growing tilapia and catfish and since the species did well in medium weather conditions.
"A standard fishpond which can accommodate 500 fingerlings will only cost the farmer Kshs. 15, 000. If the fingerlings are well taken care of, it will only take seven to eight months for the farmers to harvest," he revealed.
"Youths should avoid mentioning joblessness anywhere while they have enough farms to establish fish ponds and have enough wells and river waters which they can tap into and grow fish commercially," he said.
Muthama who was speaking from his office on Wednseday revealed that the sub county had 103 fishponds with 30 being active and his department had projected a 47.5 percent increase by the end of year 2016.
He applauded the residents for embracing fish farming saying even though the sub county is famous for tea farming and livestock rearing.
He promised to hold youth sensitization campaigns on the importance of fish rearing to attract youths.
He lamented that his department lacked enough personnel to give technical advice to the youth as there were only two technical staff to serve the expansive sub county.
He however vowed to engage the youth department to collaborate on the sensitization campaigns.