CS Joho urged to start programme for empowering women in aquaculture

Homa Bay Woman Representative Dr Joyce Osogo has urged the Ministry of Blue Economy to initiate a programme aimed at empowering women to engage in aquaculture in Lake Victoria, as part of efforts to address the decline in fish production.

Her remarks come amid growing concerns among fishermen about the dwindling fish population in the lake, which has resulted in reduced catches and subsequent nutritional challenges due to limited fish supply.

Dr Osogo said there is now a pressing need for innovative strategies to replenish fish stocks in Lake Victoria, including the promotion of aquaculture. She noted that women have already demonstrated their capacity to farm fish through cage aquaculture in the lake.

The legislator made the remarks while visiting Suba South Women Enterprise, a group of 600 women involved in fish farming through support from an organisation known as Rio Fish Limited. During the visit at Rasira Beach in Suba South Sub-county, she said aquaculture could transform the lives of women living around Lake Victoria.

“Lake Victoria has the potential to change the fortunes of many women in the counties it borders. All they need is proper support—including access to fish cages, fingerlings, and funds for fish feed,” Dr Osogo said.

She called on the Cabinet Secretary for Blue Economy, Hassan Joho, to launch a dedicated programme for supporting women engaging in aquaculture.

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“The success of these women is clear proof that they are capable of producing fish through cage farming. I urge CS Joho to implement a programme that will empower more women in aquaculture,” she added.

Dr Osogo said such a programme would not only boost the national economy but also enhance nutrition in many households. She emphasised that many women are the primary breadwinners in their families and, therefore, empowering them would have widespread societal benefits.

“Empowering women in aquaculture is critical—it will increase fish production in the country, improve household nutrition, and strengthen the economic standing of many families,” she stated.

Angela Odero, CEO of Rio Fish Ltd, and Project Lead Mercy Chepkirui said their organisation began supporting the 600 women to improve their livelihoods.

“We are assisting these women with fish production. Once they harvest, we buy the fish from them,” Ms Odero said.

Ms Chepkirui noted that the three-year project is being implemented with long-term sustainability in mind.

“We are executing the project in a way that it can continue even after our exit,” she said.

Millicent Okeyo, Chairperson of Suba South Women Enterprise, said the initiative had empowered them both economically and through skills acquisition.

“The income we generate from this project has greatly improved our lives. We’ve also gained valuable knowledge on how to farm fish using cages,” she said.