Sh140M fish plant launched in Homa Bay for EU export market

An aquaculture firm has launched construction of Sh140 million a fish processing plant in Homa Bay County.

The company christened Victory Farms is constructing the plant that will enable export of fish products to European countries.

The firm based at Rowo Beach in Suba Central Sub-county is constructing the plant to enhance value addition for fish.

Homa Bay CEM for Fisheries Sarah Malit and Chief Development Officer of Victory Farms Caesar Asiyo launched construction of the plant dubbed Suba Value Addition Centre on Wednesday.

The proposed plant will not only be used by the firm alone but also local fishermen for value addition of their fish. This will enable sale of fish products at more lucrative costs.

Asiyo said the plant will have the capacity to process 120 metric tons of fish per day.

“We are building the plant with a bigger capacity to process as large fish quantities as possible. This is because our company is growing and we already have branches in Migori and Siaya counties,” Asiyo said.

He said they will also use the plant to manufacture animal feeds using fish wastes acquired from Lake Victoria.

The plant will also use crops such as soya beans and shrimp (a small shellfish that has a long body and legs and that is eaten as food) locally known as ochong’a.

Asiyo said his firm will collaborate with local fishermen in provision of raw materials for the plant.

 Malit said the plant will improve the livelihoods of fishermen.

“For example,  ochong’a has for a long time been considered a waste by fishermen. Many people sell it at throw away prices but it is going to have value,” Malit said.

She said fishermen will have a market for their produce.

She said the county government will support Victory Farms in the project.

“This initiative will provide job opportunities for our youths. Let us support it,” Malit said.

The CEM for Trade and Investment Executive Joash Aloo said the company is considered a serious employer in the county.

“Many households in this county draw their livelihoods from this firm and it is transforming lives,” Dr Aloo said.