Kenya’s Rio Fish to partner Koolboks to improve fish storage, conservation

KENYA – Rio Fish, in collaboration with Koolboks, a French company that specializes in solar-powered, financially accessible fridges, is rolling out a project to improve fish storage and preservation for traders in Migori County.

The initiative aims to provide modern cooling solutions to address storage challenges that often lead to fish spoilage and financial losses for traders.

By introducing advanced refrigeration technology, the program seeks to extend the shelf life of fish, ensuring better product quality for both sellers and consumers.

The project also includes a benchmarking exercise to assess existing storage methods, identify gaps, and explore areas for improvement.

Rio Fish and Koolboks expect that better cooling systems will help traders reduce waste, improve earnings, and remain competitive in the market.

Beyond storage solutions, Rio Fish is also engaging in conservation efforts through a separate partnership with Plus Fish and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).

As part of this initiative, Rio Fish recently hosted Michael Cooper from Plus Fish and Dr. Orina from KMFRI for discussions on protecting indigenous fish species in Lake Victoria.

The collaboration focuses on finding ways to conserve local fish populations that are at risk due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change.

The introduction of non-native species has further disrupted the lake’s ecosystem, creating an urgent need for sustainable fishing practices.

This conservation project will explore methods such as habitat restoration and controlled fishing to help stabilize fish stocks in the region.

Efforts will also involve working with local communities to raise awareness and implement strategies that allow them to benefit from fishing without depleting resources.

Ensuring the survival of native fish species is critical, as many communities around the lake rely on them for both food and income.

By promoting sustainable fishing, the project aims to maintain fish populations that support local livelihoods while preserving biodiversity.

Scientists and conservationists involved in the project believe that combining research with community participation is key to long-term success.

The ongoing efforts at Lake Victoria could serve as a model for other regions facing similar environmental and economic challenges.

With both storage improvements and conservation projects underway, Rio Fish and its partners are working toward a more sustainable fishing industry in Migori County and beyond.

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