Fish farmers from Nyamira County have a reason to smile after the county leadership confirmed setting aside of Sh2 million meant to buy fingerlings that will be reared in Kitaru dam, Mekenene ward.
Farmers who have been in the fish farming business will then get a chance to buy fish for rearing at a subsidised cost, according to the county government.
Speaking on Tuesday during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, Governor John Nyagarama said the project will kick off early November following a successful feasibility study held early October.
The county boss said the project aims at making the county to be among the top fish exports in the county.
“We are an agricultural county and we want to ensure every agricultural sector benefits. My government has set aside Sh2 million for purchasing of fingerlings that will be reared in Kitaru dam. Then farmers will fish ponds will be buying them for rearing at subsidised cost,” he said.
Nyagarama said the county government will in return buy the fish from farmers and as a way of helping they get ready markets.
“We want to be among the top fish exporters and that is possible. The county will buy the fish at good prizes from farmers and help in getting ready markets in the local and international markets,” he added.
Earlier on, County secretary Erick Onchana had denied claims that the county had purchased speed boats to be used during for fishing.
“The propaganda that we have purchased fishing boats should be dismissed. We haven’t been involved in such a deal and those spreading propaganda will be disapproved,” he said.