Kenya’s aquaculture stakeholders introduce the FAI Tilapia Welfare app
The new digital tool has been launched to improve fish welfare and promote the industry.
KENYA – Kenya’s fish farming industry is taking steps to improve animal welfare with the introduction of The FAI Tilapia Welfare App, a new digital tool aimed at supporting better tilapia farming practices.
The app, launched in March, is part of a wider effort by Ethical Seafood Research (ESR), FAI Farms, and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) to promote responsible aquaculture.
This move comes as the Kenya Fish Welfare Project begins rolling out training sessions across the country, targeting both farmers and county extension officers.
The project is designed to equip key players in the sector with knowledge and resources to enhance fish health, farm efficiency, and overall sustainability.
At the heart of the initiative is a year-long training programme that officially started in Kisumu at KMFRI’s headquarters, where 30 extension officers from nine counties took part in a practical workshop.
These counties include Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, and Vihiga, all regions where fish farming plays a growing role in local economies.
During the sessions, officers received both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in areas such as water quality monitoring and use of digital learning tools available on the FAI Academy platform.
In addition to the training, the app is being used during farm visits to help officers assess fish welfare and gather real-time data on farm conditions and fish health.
According to ESR director Wasseem Emam, the project builds on previous work in Egypt and aims to apply lessons learned there to improve practices in Kenya.
He noted that a 2023 survey showed a strong willingness among Kenyan fish farmers to adopt improved welfare practices, pointing to the need for structured support and education.
FAI’s Chief Operating Officer, Murilo Quintiliano, said that while the sector in Kenya is still developing, it presents an opportunity to implement welfare measures early in its growth.
Counties benefit from funding boost
In a separate development earlier this year, 42 aquaculture groups in Nyeri County were awarded a US$55,833 (KSh 7.2 million) grant from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to expand fish farming projects.
The funding forms part of a broader US$852,778 (KSh 110 million) disbursement under the Aquaculture Business Development Program (ABDP), launched in Kakamega County by Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho.
Kakamega received the highest share at US$124,306, followed by Meru with US$66,444 and Migori at US$61,875.
Other counties awarded grants include Kisii (US$61,250), Homa Bay (US$57,361), and Busia (US$57,222).
Kiambu, Kisumu, and Siaya received US$54,722, US$51,389, and US$50,000 respectively.
Embu and Machakos were allocated US$45,417 each, while Tharaka Nithi was granted US$44,583.
Kirinyaga and Kajiado received US$39,417 and US$39,028 respectively as part of the same programme.
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