Victory Farms has unveiled plans to establish a fully integrated fish hatchery and feed processing facility in the Riwa Special Economic Zone within Karachuonyo Constituency, a move expected to significantly boost aquaculture output across western Kenya.
The project, highlighted during a ceremony held in Homa Bay County in March 2024, is set to reduce reliance on costly, low-quality inputs and scale up the production of fingerlings in partnership with local fish farmers and county governments.
The hatchery will produce high-quality fingerlings for distribution to small-scale fish farmers, county governments, and fish cages on Lake Victoria. Victory Farms has committed to distributing over one million fingerlings annually and has already stocked 22 community dams in Homa Bay, aiming to improve food and nutrition security across the region.
In addition to fingerling production, the facility will include a feed processing plant to produce cost-effective fish meals using locally sourced raw materials. This approach aims to lower production costs for farmers and enhance feed conversion rates, supporting faster growth of tilapia and other species in commercial aquaculture systems.
Victory Farms Chief Development Officer Caesar Asiyo emphasized that the integrated facility is a response to persistent challenges faced by fish farmers, notably the high cost and limited availability of quality feeds and juvenile stock.
By centralizing input production and distribution in the special economic zone, the company anticipates improved consistency in fingerling supply and reduced mortality during transit a frequent issue with distant hatcheries.
President William Ruto formally issued the operational license for the facility during his visit to Homa Bay, underscoring the government’s support for aquaculture as a key pillar of its agricultural and economic agenda.
The license reinforces policy emphasis on aquaculture expansion, local employment, and value chain development in Kenya’s lake region.
Farmers and community leaders attending the launch lauded the initiative, citing increased employment among youth and broader economic benefits from enhanced fish production.
Over 1,000 direct jobs have been created since the company’s inception, largely filled by local residents from Suba South and neighbouring areas.
Analysts note that Kenya currently faces a significant annual fish production deficit estimated in the hundreds of thousands of tonnes. Victory Farms, already the largest tilapia producer in the country with annual output exceeding 90 million tonnes, projects increasing production by 50 percent per year. The hatchery and feed plant are thus seen as vital to closing this gap and reducing dependency on imports.
In conclusion, Victory Farms’ new integrated hatchery and feed processing plant represent a major step toward strengthening Kenya’s aquaculture industry.
By supplying affordable and quality inputs, the initiative supports thousands of local farmers, expands domestic fish production, and advances national goals of food security, youth employment, and sustainable rural development.
Written By Ian Maleve
