Just two years ago, Ben Okuta and fellow fishermen at Dunga Beach, Kisumu, were losing hope. The once-abundant fish stocks in Lake Victoria had declined dramatically, threatening their livelihoods. But instead of giving up, they found an innovative and sustainable way to keep the fishing tradition alive—floating cage aquaculture.
From Fishing Nets to Floating Cages
With support from the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI), the fishermen built floating cage ponds and placed them in the lake. These cages act as controlled fish farms that float on the water surface, combining the natural ecosystem of the lake with modern aquaculture methods.
“We have 31 cages which we use as ponds to breed fish at Dunga Beach, where we keep monitoring them,” says Mr. Okuta.
Each cage, measuring 2.5 meters squared, can hold up to 1,600 fish, which mature for harvesting in about five to six months. A single fish sells for approximately Sh120, meaning each cage can yield up to Sh130,000 per cycle—a remarkable improvement compared to traditional fishing returns.
Inspiration from Across the Border
The idea of floating cage farming was first introduced by a Ugandan farmer from Jinja’s Swan Farm. He shared his experience with the Kenyan fishermen, showing them how the method had helped Ugandan farmers adapt to changing lake conditions and the challenges posed by water hyacinth.
Inspired, the fishermen at Dunga Beach formed a cooperative group and invited the Ugandan expert to train them. He guided them through cage construction, fish breeding, and essential safety measures.
Simple but Smart Engineering
The cages are made of metal frames kept afloat using empty jerrycans, while the “walls” are constructed from strong nets tied to the metal bars. Once assembled, the cages are anchored securely to the lakebed to withstand waves and currents.
The group sources fingerlings mainly from Sagana Fish Farm, Dominion Farm, and the Lake Basin Development Authority. They primarily rear Tilapia Nilotica and Tilapia Exlentus, with fingerlings supplied free of charge by KEMFRI.
Sustainable and Profitable
At first, the group mixed male and female fish, but they soon realized that males grew smaller. Now, they focus solely on breeding females, which yield better market sizes.
Their fish are in high demand among hotels in Kisumu City, which prefer “plate-sized” fish weighing about 500 grams. The farmers only harvest what is ordered, maintaining freshness and minimizing waste.
“We never lack market,” says Maurice Ongowe, Secretary of the Dunga Fisher Cooperative Society. “We harvest according to demand and even allow clients to choose their fish since the cages are portable.”
Clean Water, Healthy Fish
Unlike traditional pond aquaculture, floating cage farming keeps fish in fresh, oxygenated lake water. This environment is cleaner and allows the fish to feed naturally from the lake while still being supplemented with high-quality feed pellets recommended by KEMFRI.
Challenges and Community Growth
One major challenge remains—the invasive water hyacinth. Despite the cages being anchored, the dense aquatic weed sometimes sweeps through and damages them. Additionally, a few fingerlings occasionally die during transportation.
However, the cooperative has found ways to manage these risks. Security guards protect the cages at night, and the farmers have set up a cooperative society to enable members to save, borrow, and invest. Members earn dividends annually based on their shares, and loans attract a modest 10% interest.
Beyond Fishing—Tourism and Education
The Dunga Fisher Cooperative Society also welcomes tourists and students, who pay Sh500 per boat for guided educational tours to the floating cages, located just 100 meters from the beach. The initiative not only educates visitors about sustainable aquaculture but also provides an additional income stream for the fishermen.
“Every year, each member earns a dividend depending on the shares they hold,” says a cooperative official.
A New Wave of Aquaculture
The story of Ben Okuta and his fellow fishermen is a shining example of how innovation can revive livelihoods and promote sustainable aquaculture. With proper support, training, and technology, floating cage aquaculture could become the future of fish farming—not just in Kenya, but across Africa’s freshwater lakes.
🌿 Amazing Aquaculture Insight:
Floating cage aquaculture allows communities to balance conservation and livelihood, reduce overfishing, and promote eco-friendly practices—a vital step toward sustainable blue economies.
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