© Lake View Fisheries
What inspired you to set up a fish farming business?
I previously held leadership roles at Accenture and GE Healthcare and my IT background is instrumental in implementing industry-leading software/technology at Lake View Fisheries.
I established the farm back in 2013, with the aim to improve the sustainable production and availability of fish farmed through modern aquaculture technologies, increasing per capita fish consumption and boosting the economy for small-scale fish producers as well as other actors along the value chain. There was also a need to create employment on Mfangano Island.
Can you give an overview of your farm today?
Lake View Fisheries is a pioneering vertically integrated enterprise with 14 cages and 18 lined ponds.
Our hatchery produces up to 1 million fingerlings per cycle in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and our grow-out cages have a production capacity of up to 1,000 tonnes of fresh tilapia each year.
While LVF has made significant strides, we are actively seeking to expand by acquiring an additional 20 cages, with a goal of producing 5,000 tonnes of mature fish annually by 2030, thereby helping to bridge the substantial gap that presently exists between fish demand and production in the region.
We envision a future where communities flourish in harmony with ecosystems and we employ 18 permanent staff and 33 support staff, 66 percent of whom are women.
What innovations have you adopted on the farm?
Firstly, we have implemented a recirculation system that allows us to bring the product to market in just 6-8 months instead of the usual 10-12 months. Additionally, we are planning to install green energy sources such as solar and wind energy, reducing our carbon footprint and operating costs. We believe that these innovative approaches, combined with further digitisation and information technology, can greatly enhance our ability.
The availability of cooler boxes to women farmers and traders in the region has greatly reduced the impact of the “fish-for-sex” trade that many of them have experienced in their efforts to provide for their families.
What have been the main milestones you’ve achieved?
In 2019 we increased production capacity to ~1000 tonnes per year and acquired 14 additional floating HDPE fish cages, anchored approximately 1 km offshore. Each cage has the capacity to produce 35,000 tilapia to 300 g per production cycle.
In 2020-2021 the company established an out-grower management platform, recruiting and registering 1,200 fish farmers. These farmers are supported with technical trainings, and links to input suppliers and markets.
In 2021-2022 LVF built an on-site RAS, which improves efficiency of temperature and oxygen control and therefore increases productivity of fingerling output.
What are the main challenges you still need to overcome, and how do you intend to do that?
Increasing our production capacity requires significant investment in land and lake infrastructure, as well as skilled labour, security, and inputs such as feed and fingerlings. Additionally, Lake Victoria faces challenges related to industrial pollution and water hyacinth infestation which could impact water quality and the health of the fish, thus hamper production capacity.
We need to install additional fish cages that will be managed by highly skilled aquaculture experts. Feeding and security will be enhanced by addition of engine boats. Continued measures will be taken to meet environmental assessment protocols to set up cages away from industrial pollution and the water hyacinth menace.
We are also grappling with high energy costs resulting from the use of diesel-powered generators, as our current solar panels have proven insufficient for meeting the company’s energy requirements. In light of this, we recognise the urgent need to further expand and diversify our renewable energy alternatives.
Cold chain infrastructure technology is crucial for reducing post-harvest losses. While our base currently includes a 5-tonne cold store room equipped with a 2-tonne ice flake machine, this is hardly sufficient to support our production capacity, let alone facilitate aggregation from the smallholder farmers who we support. To overcome these challenges and ensure product integrity, LVF must invest in building a state-of-the-art supply cold chain system that includes reliable aggregation, refrigeration, freezing facilities, and efficient ice production machinery.
© Lake View Fisheries
What are the main markets for your full-grown fish?
Fresh fish are sold to traders and direct to consumers, through eight LVF branded shops. Some fresh fish are supplied to schools and events within the communities.
Where do you source your inputs?
LVF sources quality feeds from a local approved supplier – Tunga Feeds. Our nets are sourced from Monasa Nets, a leading net supplier in the world. Pond liners are sourced from East Africa PVC.
What advice would you give to those who are contemplating venturing into (or investing in) Kenyan tilapia aquaculture?
Aquaculture in Kenya is still underexploited, and there is a need for more investors. There is much goodwill from both county and national governments. Aquaculture pays, and the population of Kenya is increasing steadily, so the market is assured. Fish are a cheap source of protein – retailing at an average of Ksh300 per kg – compared to other meat sources. Dietary needs are shifting to white meat - and fish is best source.
However, aquaculture, especially in cages, is risky and capital-intensive. A slight mistake – like poor siting of cages – can lead to massive fish mortalities from eutrophication.
© Lake View Fisheries
What are the prospects of the wider aquaculture sector in Kenya?
There is need for governments to invest in a strong cold chain to reduce losses and invest in local feed companies to reduce costs.
How would you like to see the company evolving in the coming years?
Lake View Fisheries is looking to expand its market reach beyond Nyanza Province and target a broader customer base within Kenya, including major supermarket chains, seafood wholesalers, seafood retailers and restaurant chains. Additionally, over the next five years we plan to explore opportunities for exporting tilapia to international seafood importers, distributors and restaurants. By venturing into these new markets, the company seeks to diversify its revenue streams and establish itself as a reliable provider of premium tilapia products – both domestically and internationally.
