By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, July 7, 2026 - The Government is in the final stages of mapping dams and other inland water bodies across Kenya for a nationwide fish stocking programme, as it rolls out integrated irrigation and aquaculture projects aimed at boosting food security, creating jobs and improving rural livelihoods.
Speaking during the launch of blue economy and irrigation initiatives at Gwa Kiongo Dam in Mirangine Ward, Nyandarua County, Principal Secretary for the Blue Economy and Fisheries Betsy Njagi said the mapping exercise will identify suitable water bodies for stocking with quality fish fingerlings to unlock the country's aquaculture potential.
"The programme is designed to expand aquaculture opportunities, stimulate local economies and improve livelihoods by making productive use of Kenya's inland water resources," she said.
At Gwa Kiongo Dam, which has a storage capacity of 450,000 cubic metres, the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries supported more than 80 fisherfolk with 15,000 quality fish fingerlings for two fish cages, two fishing boats, fish feeds, and fishing and safety gear to kick-start commercial fish production.
Njagi said the initiative will be backed by the Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Service and Training Centre of Excellence (KFASTCE), currently under construction, which will serve as a national hub for producing quality fingerlings and providing technical support to fish farmers across the country.
The event also marked a major milestone in the government's irrigation expansion programme.
Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho said the Gwa Kiongo Irrigation Project will transform agricultural production in Nyandarua by enabling year-round farming through reliable water supply.
The project will be implemented in two phases, each covering about 250 acres, bringing a total of 500 acres under irrigation. More than 1,000 farmers are expected to benefit through an extensive irrigation piping network that will allow up to three cropping seasons annually.
Kimotho said the project will reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture, increase production of high-value crops, improve household incomes and strengthen farmers' resilience to climate change.
"The increased production will create opportunities for value addition, agro-processing, food exports and sustainable agribusiness while contributing to Kenya's food security agenda," he said.
He also revealed that the State Department for Irrigation has identified more than 150 former colonial dams across Nyandarua County for rehabilitation to expand water harvesting and storage infrastructure.
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According to the PS, the rehabilitation programme will support irrigation, livestock production, aquaculture and reliable water supplies for farming communities throughout the year, while strengthening climate resilience.
As part of the integrated development programme, the government commissioned solar-powered irrigation pumps at Gwa Kiongo and Githunguri dams to facilitate year-round crop production and improve agricultural productivity.
The multi-sectoral initiative brought together Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Esther Muoria, former Senior Economic Advisor Moses Kuria and other government officials, reflecting what leaders described as a whole-of-government approach to rural development.
Residents welcomed the projects, saying the combination of irrigation expansion, fish farming and dam rehabilitation would unlock Nyandarua's agricultural potential, create employment opportunities and improve household incomes.
The integrated interventions form part of the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to maximise the economic value of Kenya's water resources through irrigation, aquaculture, renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture.