KMFRI AQUACULTURE FARMING

Kenya is endowed with a vast network of aquatic resources comprising freshwater lakes and rivers and an extensive ocean resource base. The physical potential is virtually unlimited—inland water resources cover an area of 18,029 km2, marine water area (including the EEZ) 142,400 km2 and a continental coastline 640 km—that supports diverse fish production. The fisheries and aquaculture sector contributes about 0.8% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), providing direct employment opportunities to over 500,000 people and supporting over two million people indirectly. Kenya’s Vision 2030, together with other policy frameworks recognizes aquaculture (fish farming) as a source of food security, poverty reduction, and employment creation.