Published: March 6, 2026 | Courtesy: Dr. Raymond Omollo & Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA)
KISUMU – In the heart of Kisumu County, the Kibos Aquaculture Centre is steadily reclaiming its place as the engine of aquaculture growth in the Lake Region. Managed by the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) , this facility is the largest government-owned fingerling production centre, and after years of dormancy, it is now springing back to life.
🏗️ A Facility Reborn: From Stalled to Scaling Up
The centre operates 21 ponds with a robust annual production capacity of 36 million fingerlings. However, for nearly a decade, its potential lay untapped. A strategic injection of government capital in 2024 provided the crucial lifeline to revitalize operations. This public investment was paired with a forward-thinking strategic partnership between LBDA and Aquarech Ltd, accelerating the facility’s modernization and operational recovery.
📊 Production Milestones & Ambitious Targets
The impact of this revival is already visible in the numbers:
| Year | Fingerlings Produced | Farmers Supported | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 million | ~3,000 | ~33% |
| 2026 (Target) | – | 5,000 | – |
| By Aug 2026 (Target) | 36 million | – | 100% |
The centre’s 2025 output of 12 million fingerlings supported approximately 3,000 farmers, demonstrating its critical role in the regional value chain. The trajectory is clear: reaching full capacity by August 2026 is a stated goal, which would represent a massive leap in supporting local food security and livelihoods.
🔬 Innovation & Technology Integration
Modernization is at the heart of the centre’s strategy. It has integrated automated fingerling counting technology, a significant upgrade that enhances accuracy and ensures farmers receive the exact value for their stock.
Furthermore, the facility operates two distinct production systems, including Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) . These advanced systems are a game-changer, delivering fingerling survival rates of up to 80% , a stark improvement over traditional methods and crucial for maximizing output.
🎓 Building Capacity: Training the Next Generation of Farmers
The Kibos Centre is not just a production hub; it is a powerful engine for skills development. Its physical training facility can accommodate 50 farmers per session, providing hands-on learning.
Crucially, this reach is amplified through a partnership providing a free, world-class digital resource:
Platform: Samaki Poa – Blue Planet Academy
Content: Over 150 free instructional videos on Nile tilapia and African catfish.
Topics Covered: From production planning and health management to sustainability and business practices.
Accessibility: Available in English, with some subtitles in Swahili and French.
Community: Connects learners with a community of thousands of users across 45+ countries.
This online academy allows the centre’s impact to extend far beyond its physical boundaries, empowering farmers across the continent with practical, bite-sized knowledge they can apply immediately.
👷 Driving Employment & the Blue Economy
The revitalization has direct social impacts. The facility currently employs 22 staff daily, with a notable focus on youth employment, reaffirming its contribution to job creation and skills development within the community. This positions the centre as a key player in the broader Blue Economy value chain, linking primary production with livelihoods and economic opportunity.
🚗 Connecting to Opportunity with Afrivibe Rentals
As the aquaculture sector in Kisumu grows, so does the need for reliable transport—whether it’s farmers traveling for training, experts visiting the centre, or goods moving to markets. Afrivibe Rentals is your trusted partner for seamless mobility across Kisumu and Western Kenya.
We offer:
🚕 Cab services for individuals and small groups.
🚗 Car hire with experienced chauffeurs for longer journeys.
📍 Point-to-point travel to the Kibos Centre, government offices, and farms.
🤝 Corporate transport for partner organizations and delegations.
👉 Book Your Ride via WhatsApp
📞 Call/SMS: 0710899460
🌐 www.kisumuairportcabs.co.ke
Driving growth, one journey at a time.