Suba Central, Lake Victoria— Aquaculture giant Victory Farms has laid the foundation for a transformative Kshs 40 million fish processing plant in Suba Central, signaling a major leap forward for Kenya’s fish export ambitions and promising a significant economic ripple effect across local communities. The ambitious project, unveiled at a groundbreaking ceremony, is poised to not only tap into lucrative international markets but also revolutionise waste management by converting fish by-products into valuable animal feed.
Speaking with palpable enthusiasm at the launch, Victory Farms’ Chief Development Officer, Caesar Asiyo, articulated the company’s vision for the state-of-the-art “Suba Value Addition Centre.” He revealed that the integrated facility will boast the capacity to process a staggering 120 metric tons of fish daily, paving the way for Victory Farms to compete on the global stage. In a clever stroke of circular economy thinking, the plant will also harness the potential of “ochong’a,” the local term for fish waste, transforming it into high-value livestock feed, potentially incorporating crops like soybeans to enhance its nutritional profile.
However, Asiyo candidly acknowledged that Victory Farms’ existing aquaculture operations, based at their Roo Beach site on Lake Victoria, cannot currently meet the plant’s full processing capacity. To bridge this supply gap and ensure the facility operates at its full potential, the company is strategically forging partnerships with local fishermen and the Homa Bay County government. “We’re going to collaborate with other fishermen and the Homa Bay County government to see if we can come together to source more fish,” Asiyo affirmed, highlighting the collaborative spirit underpinning the venture.
The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by Homa Bay County Fisheries Executive Sarah Malit and Trade and Investment Executive Joash Aloo, both of whom lauded the investment as a game-changer for the region. Malit underscored the significance of the integrated approach, noting that “ochong’a,” traditionally undervalued and often discarded, would now become a valuable resource, boosting the incomes of local fishermen. “Homa Bay County government supports such investments, and its expansion will ensure an increase in fish production. The plant will provide job opportunities for our youths,” she declared, emphasizing the anticipated socio-economic benefits.
Aloo echoed this sentiment, hailing Victory Farms as a “premier investor” in Homa Bay, with a demonstrable impact on the local economy. He pointed to a recent economic survey that revealed a significant reduction in poverty levels in the vicinity of the company’s operations since its establishment. “An economic survey showed that the locality of the company used to be poor, with more than a 60 per cent poverty index. But the situation has now changed since the firm was established,” Aloo stated, painting a vivid picture of the transformative power of such investments.
With construction now underway, the Kshs 40 million fish processing plant represents not just a significant financial commitment but also a bold step towards elevating Kenya’s aquaculture sector, fostering sustainable practices, and uplifting the livelihoods of communities along the shores of Lake Victoria. The collaborative approach between Victory Farms, local fishermen, and the county government offers a promising model for future development in the region, suggesting a brighter future for both the fishing industry and the wider economy.
