The culturable species are grouped into warm and cold water fisheries. The warm water fisheries include Tilapia, Catfish and Common carp which are cultured in relatively low altitudes. Cold water fisheries include the rainbow trout which are cultured in high altitudes with low temperatures of less than 15⁰ C

Yes, it is profitable if properly executed. The demand for fish and fishery products is ever-growing in the nation and globe at large hence creating a ready market. The fish caught in capture can not meet the demand and need therefore to farm fish to be able to meet the gap.

Fish is cultured in a good site which :

                     i.        Located in a region suitable and allowed for fish farming.

                    ii.        Has climate suitable for the growth of the fish.

                   iii.        Is well drained and protected from floods.

                   iv.        Topography and soils are suitable for the construction of ponds.

                    v.        Has adequate and preferably free-flowing good quality water supply.

                   vi.        Is accessible throughout the year.

                 vii.        Has adequate space for future expansion.

                viii.        Is located on-site acceptable by the laws.

Fish farming like crop and livestock farming is done at different management levels. Management levels include; extensive, semi-intensive and intensive fish farms. The choice of the production method will depend on:

·         The fish to be grown

·         The availability of the needed technology

·         Potential prices of fish.

·         Available resources.

·         Availability of essential inputs for example feeds power, skilled labour, and professional expertise.

The fish can be cultured using the following culture systems; ponds (earthen and linear), raised ponds, cages (in dams,rivers and lakes) , raceways and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems.

Fish farming requires quality fingerlings and as such attached below is a list of certified hatcheries in the country.

A fish movement permit is issued to traders allowing them to move fish and fish products within the country. The issuance of the live fish movement permit is regulated by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), through the office of the County Director of Fisheries. For more information on how to obtain a live fish movement permit, click the link

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Export of fish & fishery products is regulated by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), who issue an export permit for each consignment to be exported. A fish health certificate is issued after the consignment has been inspected to ascertain it is free from diseases.

For more information on how to obtain a fish health certificate for consignments click the link below:

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Processed fish for export may be processed from land-based or water-based facilities which must be licensed by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), after a series of inspections of the establishment or fishing vessel, and test-run of the processing of fish. For more information on click the link below

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Trout farming in essence is not difficult, though like any other enterprise it requires a great deal of experience from those considering the possibility of investing on a trout farm or hatchery and for those interested in taking up work on a trout farm. The following are important considerations for trout farming;

·       Clear cold running water(15°c-18°c) for growth

·       Feed of high protein diet above 40%

·       Requires well oxygenated water (above 5mg/l)

·       Natural feeds on small macro-organisms

·       Does not breed in captivity thus ARTIFICIAL SPAWNING is done at hatcheries(9°c-11°c)

·       Labour and capital intensive

Kiganjo national trout hatchery offers technical advice and sells fingerlings to upcoming and existing trout farmers. In addition, they also host educational tours on cold water fisheries.

·       Trout dishes are very popular in America and Europe. Therefore, they are a quick sale in our local tourist hotels and lodges.

·       In addition to these seemingly insatiable markets, the local market for trout fish is growing rapidly too.

·       Currently, the estimated demand for trout in Kenya stands at 10 tonnes per month.

·       Trout fetches handsome prices in markets unlike other farmed fish.

·       There is also a growing demand for trout fingerlings.