By Alex Njeru
Fish farming is thriving like never before in Tharaka Nithi County, thanks to sustained and strategic support from the County Government under the leadership of Governor Muthomi Njuki.
Once considered a minor agricultural activity, aquaculture is now transforming livelihoods across the region—serving both household consumption and commercial purposes.The growth has been spurred by deliberate government interventions focused on knowledge transfer, access to quality materials, and robust market linkages.
The County Government, through its Department of Fisheries, has been instrumental in empowering fish farmers by ensuring the availability of high-quality and affordable fingerlings produced by local hatcheries, distribution of premium fish feeds and provision of key aquaculture equipment.
Yesterday, in a move aimed at further enhancing fingerling survival and farm productivity, Fisheries Chief Officer Mr. Antony Kiruja issued oxygen cylinders and Hapa Nets to four functional hatcheries.
The Hapa Nets are vital for brooder spawning, rearing juveniles, and protecting young fish from predators—ensuring optimal growth conditions.
“The success of fish farming largely depends on the quality of fingerlings, quality fees and water conditions,” said Mr. Kiruja. “We are committed to supporting our hatcheries and farmers not just for today, but for the long-term sustainability of this sector.”
There are currently 12 hatcheries across Tharaka Nithi, with eight well-established and operational. Before the County’s intervention, farmers were forced to travel to Sagana and Mwea to purchase fingerlings—an often costly and risky venture due to high fingerling mortality during transport.
The provision of oxygen cylinders will significantly solved this problem, reducing mortality and ensuring healthy stock.
Kathima Fish Farm Director Mr. Charles Njagi Marangu praised the County for its unwavering support. “Fish farming used to be strictly domestic, but now it’s commercial. The support we have received—from equipment to training—has made all the difference,” he said.
Ms. Betty Kithuci of Miracle Hatcheries echoed the sentiment. “I started small, but with the County’s help, my hatchery has grown remarkably. We now supply farmers from all corners of the county.”
Ms. Nelly Kendi, a fish farmer and a hatchery owner from Mugwe Ward, recalled the challenges of sourcing fingerlings before local hatcheries were established. “We used to lose a lot of stock in transit. But today, thanks to the support from the County, we are thriving.”
To further support the value chain, the County has equipped every sub-county with freezer storage units and cool boxes to ease transportation and preservation. Fishing nets have also been distributed to farmers to boost harvesting efficiency.
The current aquaculture development programme is set to conclude in one year, but there are strong calls for its extension. Mr. Kiruja emphasized that the focus now is to make the initiative self-sustaining—by empowering hatcheries, supporting feed production, and ensuring strong market systems are in place.
“We are building a future where fish farming is not dependent on County support, but on a well-established system run by the farmers themselves. That means access to quality feed, reliable fingerlings, cold storage facilities, and market outlets must continue seamlessly,” he noted.
He also encouraged farmers to embrace integrated farming practices to diversify income and food sources.
As aquaculture cements its place in Tharaka Nithi’s economic transformation, Governor Muthomi Njuki’s administration continues to lead from the front, ensuring that fish farming becomes a lasting pillar of food security, youth employment, and rural development.
The Mount Kenya Times 
John Kariuki