Amidst rising unemployment, with 67% of Kenyan youths lacking jobs, including those with aquaculture degrees, an innovative initiative offers hope and a way forward. The Youth in Aquaculture Program, a collaboration between AquaMnara and ThinkFish Zambia, supported by IREX, the Mandela Washington Fellowship, and the U.S. Embassy, has successfully bridged the gap between academic knowledge and the industry-specific skills essential for thriving in this burgeoning field.
This program is more than a skills-training initiative; it is a movement designed to foster sustainability, drive innovation, and create opportunities in Kenya’s blue economy while empowering young professionals to build careers that matter.
Program Highlights: Blending Learning, Mentorship, and Real-World Experience
The Youth in Aquaculture Program was crafted with an innovative hybrid model to cater to the diverse needs of 15 recent aquaculture graduates. Through a blend of online learning, practical experiences, and mentorship, the program equipped participants with the skills to lead in the aquaculture sector.
Learning with Industry Experts
Participants explored a range of topics, from modern aquaculture practices and broodstock management to career tips and entrepreneurship. Sessions were facilitated by seasoned professionals. Each session emphasized actionable insights, providing a comprehensive foundation in both technical and soft skills.
The program was complemented by a mentorship component, where participants connected with facilitators for personalized advice tailored to their aspirations.
Participants during an online learning session
Hands-On Field Visits
A key feature of the program was the practical exposure provided through field visits. Participants toured aquaculture facilities such as Mwitoko Fish Farm, Maseno University, Aquaculture Barn Limited, and AquaRech. This immersive experience enabled participants to observe and engage with innovative technologies and best practices.
Nicholas Outa demonstrating an Aquaponics system to participants at Maseno University
Networking and Opportunity Sharing
The program culminated in a vibrant networking event at the Royal City Hotel, Kisumu. Attended by industry players, academicians, and aquaculture professionals, the event was a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. The highlight was the certificate presentation ceremony, celebrating the graduates’ dedication and achievements.
A graduate receiving her certificate from Dr. Ogolla
Insights from the Conference: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
The Youth in Aquaculture Conference brought together key industry leaders, professionals, and young aquaculture enthusiasts for a series of enlightening discussions. Here are some key insights and takeaways from the panels and breakout sessions.
Panel 1: Career Opportunities in Aquaculture
Nicholas Outa, CEO of Dala Aqua, emphasized the importance of exploring diverse career opportunities within aquaculture. He highlighted areas such as pond construction and business consultancy, urging youth to think creatively about self-employment options in the industry.
Audrey Nyambura, Technical Advisor at Tunga Nutrition, focused on the role of technology in shaping the future of aquaculture. She discussed how small-scale farmers are increasingly adopting technologies such as cage culture and NFT aquaponics, which are revolutionizing fish farming.
John Oseko, a Youth in Aquaculture champion, spoke about how young people can identify their areas of interest by seeking internship opportunities and hands-on learning experiences in aquaculture. He stressed that acquiring technical and soft skills is crucial for gaining a competitive edge in the job market.
The panel also discussed challenges faced by youth in the industry, including access to funding and convincing farmers to adopt modern practices. Shadrack Onam from the Kenya Fisheries Service emphasized that overcoming these hurdles requires patience and perseverance, qualities essential for long-term success in aquaculture.
Breakout Group Discussions: Youth-Led Innovations
During the breakout sessions, participants were split into groups to discuss innovative solutions and opportunities in aquaculture.
- Group 1 focused on Sustainable Aquaculture Practices. Yvonne Ongoro Ogada led a conversation about RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) and integrated aquaculture systems that allow for high yields in small spaces. Group members also discussed ways to make fish farming more environmentally friendly, including using biodegradable packaging and efficient feeding practices.
- Group 2 delved into Entrepreneurship in Aquaculture, identifying potential business opportunities such as consultancy services for fish health, feed production, and transportation services. Challenges like lack of funding and poor infrastructure were also addressed, with participants suggesting strategies like crowdfunding and partnerships to overcome these obstacles.
- Group 3 explored Technology and Innovation in Aquaculture, focusing on emerging trends like IoT sensors, automated feeders, and genetic improvements in fry and broodstock. The discussion also touched on the importance of data-driven farming and how technology can help farmers make more informed decisions.
- Group 4 examined Gender Inclusivity in Aquaculture. The session discussed the roles of men and women in the sector, with women increasingly taking on tasks like fish harvesting and value addition, while men traditionally manage pond construction and farm management. Participants highlighted the need for more gender-sensitive policies to ensure equal opportunities for both genders in aquaculture.
Panel 2: The Future of Youth in Aquaculture
The second panel, featuring Mercy Chepkirui, Aquaculture Specialist at Rio Fish Ltd, Dr. Erick Ogello, Chair of Animal Fisheries Science at Maseno University, and Vincent Oduor, CEO of Aquaculture Barn, explored the evolving role of young professionals in the aquaculture sector.
The panelists agreed that technology and collaborations would be key drivers of the industry’s future. They urged young people to position themselves at the forefront of these changes by continuously upgrading their skills and seeking mentorship. They also emphasized the importance of self-assessment, advising youth to evaluate their strengths and align them with industry needs to build sustainable careers.
One key takeaway from Mercy Chepkirui was the value of mentorship. She encouraged young professionals to find mentors who could guide them through challenges, especially in the early stages of their careers.
Vincent Oduor also discussed the vast potential of the blue economy, pointing out that aquaculture in Kenya is part of an emerging sector valued at 350 billion shillings annually. He urged youth to be proactive, create brands, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry leaders.
The panel concluded by calling on youth to stay persistent and patient, especially when facing challenges such as funding constraints or technical failures. It highlighted that success in aquaculture requires a learning mentality and the ability to adapt to new technologies and market demands.
Youth in Aquaculture participants and industry leaders in an engaging group discussion
In Their Words: Voices of Inspiration
Throughout the program, speakers and panelists offered valuable perspectives and advice. Here are some standout quotes from the sessions:
“Patience is key—don’t rush the harvest before planting. Success requires time and dedication.”
“Do whatever you’re doing with all your might. You’re moving the country toward food security.”
“The blue economy is just unravelling in Kenya. With the right tools and mentorship, we can unlock its full potential.”
“Take time to learn before you earn. Success in aquaculture comes from combining technical skills with creativity.”
“Be humble enough to follow instructions. Patience during the learning phase is your gateway to success.”
“Know your role, choose your path, and excel in it.”
Participant Demographics: Celebrating Diversity
The program boasted a balanced cohort, with 53% women and 47% men, reflecting a commitment to gender inclusivity. Most participants (60%) were unemployed, while others were self-employed (26%) or employed (14%), underscoring the pressing need for such initiatives.
An infographic showing participant demographics
Achievements and the Road Ahead
The program’s accomplishments include:
- Upskilling 15 graduates with vital industry knowledge.
- Partnering with four leading organizations for practical experiences.
- Launching a dedicated Youth in Aquaculture website for ongoing opportunity sharing.
- Successfully hosting the inaugural Youth in Aquaculture Conference, which connected participants with industry leaders.
Despite these successes, challenges remain. The high unemployment rate among graduates highlights the need for sustained programs that combine mentorship, practical training, and global career opportunities.
Call to Action: Be Part of the Solution
We encourage all stakeholders to play a role in shaping the future of aquaculture. You can contribute in several impactful ways:
- Mentorship: Share your expertise and experience to help guide the next generation of aquaculture professionals.
- Funding and Resources: Support programs that are making a real difference by providing the financial backing and resources needed for growth.
- Networking: Help connect graduates with job opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures, empowering them to succeed in the aquaculture industry.
Together, we can build a thriving, sustainable aquaculture sector.
A Future Full of Promise
The Youth in Aquaculture Program has set a remarkable precedent for empowering young professionals in Kenya’s blue economy. As AquaMnara CEO Elizabeth Okullow aptly said:
“This program is a vital tool for equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to make a real impact.”
With continued collaboration and support, the program will expand its reach, ensuring more young professionals are equipped to navigate and transform the aquaculture landscape.
Let’s build a future where Kenya’s youth lead the way in sustainable aquaculture, driving economic growth and securing food systems for future generations.
Youths in Aquaculture championing for change
Written by: Peres Mikoma