Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan, has urged young people and fishermen to tap into the growing job opportunities within Kenya’s blue economy, particularly in the fishing and sale of ornamental fish. During a visit to Kenya Tropical Sea Life EPZ Limited, Hassan highlighted the significant profit potential in this niche market, noting that ornamental fish sales could yield 20% more profit than traditional fish sold for consumption.
“We are seeing a lot of opportunity here, and we are telling our fishermen that when they go out fishing, they should not only focus on fish that can be eaten but also look for these ornamental fish,” said Hassan. He added that these fish could be sold at a good profit after undergoing a 2-3 month value addition process before being exported globally.
Aligning with this vision, Farm Africa has launched a Sh2.6 billion programme in Kilifi to empower youth by providing them with the necessary skills and resources to access employment in the aquaculture industry. Funded by the Mastercard Foundation, the initiative aims to benefit 150,000 young people over the next five years.
At the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kilifi County Government, Farm Africa Director Mary Nyale emphasized the programme’s potential to significantly reduce youth unemployment by bridging the gap between education and employment through practical training and support. “Kilifi County has given us the opportunity to address the unemployment gap among our youth. We have observed that there is enough ocean space and land that we can use to help our youth rear fish,” Nyale remarked.
The programme will also be implemented in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Kakamega, and Busia counties, targeting various youth groups, including young mothers, to equip them with the necessary skills to venture into the aquaculture sector.
Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that Kilifi’s extensive coastline and available land make it an ideal location for the programme. “I welcome this programme into the county because it will greatly benefit our people. They have 3 million dollars that will be used for grants in the aquaculture industry and 5 million dollars for loans to young people who want to start a business in aquaculture,” Governor Mung’aro added.
This initiative marks a significant step towards unlocking the potential of Kenya’s blue economy, providing young people with new avenues for employment and growth in the aquaculture industry.
