Fish Farming: How to Make Profits from Tilapia

Fish farming is the way to go. Fish are popular sources of protein and white meat in many parts of Eastern Africa. However, the gap between supply and demand for fish is widening. Almost all natural fish stocks in the region—and across the globe—have been over-exploited. Meanwhile, human populations, and therefore demand for fish, continue to increase steadily.

The best solution for meeting this growing demand is fish farming in Kenya and other parts of Eastern Africa. Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, is the practice of breeding and raising fish in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or cages. This method ensures sustainable fish supply while creating income-generating opportunities for farmers.

This article offers a comprehensive guide on how to earn money through fish farming in Kenya, with a focus on rearing tilapia, one of the most profitable and easy-to-keep fish varieties in the region.

Why Farm Fish?

Fish farming in Kenya offers numerous benefits:

1. Fast Growth and High Returns

Fish grow quickly, especially tilapia, and offer fast returns on investment. A small fingerling weighing a few grams can grow into a market-size fish in just 6 to 8 months. At maturity, each fish can fetch around Ksh 70, which is more than 25 times its initial cost. The market price is approximately Ksh 350 per kilogram, making fish farming a highly lucrative venture.

2. Flexible Location Requirements

You don’t need to be near an ocean, lake, river, or stream to farm fish. All you need is access to a reliable and clean source of freshwater—an essential requirement for tilapia. Boreholes, springs, or small rivers (with local authority permission) are suitable.

3. Ready and Expanding Market

There is a growing local and international market for fish, especially tilapia. Supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and households are constantly looking for fresh fish. Additionally, health-conscious consumers increasingly prefer fish over red meat, which boosts demand.

4. Minimal Disease Risks

Unlike other types of livestock, fish are less prone to diseases, reducing veterinary costs and losses due to sickness.

5. Efficient Use of Land

Fish ponds can be built on land unsuitable for other forms of agriculture. Small plots, including backyard spaces, can be utilized for fish farming in Kenya.

6. Low Maintenance

Once the pond is constructed and stocked, maintenance becomes relatively simple, especially when proper systems are in place. This allows farmers to focus on other income-generating activities.

7. Nutritional Value

Fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. This makes it a vital dietary component for growing children and expectant mothers.

Best Variety of Fish to Farm in Kenya

When it comes to fish farming in Kenya, tilapia stands out as the most practical option for small to medium-scale farmers. It matures quickly, is easy to manage, and is popular with consumers due to its taste and nutritional benefits.

Other types of fish that can be farmed include catfish and trout, but tilapia remains the most viable for beginners. For more information on other fish species, consult your local fisheries or agricultural extension officers.

Requirements for Starting a Fish Farm

To establish and run a small fish farming operation, you will need:

• Labour (at least two workers for pond construction and maintenance)
• Land (preferably gently sloping for proper pond drainage)
• Tools: pangas, hoes, shovels, pickaxes, wheelbarrows, measuring tape, wooden pegs, and string
• Materials: lime, fingerlings, fertilizer, weighing scale, scoop nets
• Access to clean water

The ideal water temperature for tilapia is between 25°C and 28°C, which is suitable for most parts of Kenya.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fish Farming in Kenya

Step 1: Pond Site Selection

Select gently sloping land large enough to accommodate the pond. The location should have full sunlight exposure and minimal shade, as trees can attract predators like birds and snakes.

Check the soil for water retention by digging a test hole. If water seeps away quickly, the soil is unsuitable. You can line such ponds with polythene sheets or clay.

The water source must be clean and free from pollutants. Underground springs and diverted streams are ideal, while boreholes may be too costly. Avoid using chlorinated tap water—it’s harmful to fish.

Step 2: Pond Construction

1. Clear the site of vegetation and debris.
2. Measure and mark the pond area using sticks and string.
3. Recommended pond shape is rectangular or square. Minimum size is 10m x 10m.
4. The pond should be 1.5 meters deep at the shallow end and 2.5–3 meters deep at the deep end.
5. Ensure the pond floor slopes from the shallow end to the deep end.
6. Pile the excavated soil around the pond to form a barrier or embankment.

Apply a layer of agricultural lime to the pond base to control pests such as leeches and parasites.

Step 3: Pond Fertilization

Fertilizing your pond helps generate algae and zooplankton, which serve as natural fish food.

Let the pond sit for 5 to 7 days after fertilization before introducing fingerlings. The greenish water color is a sign of healthy algal growth.

Step 4: Seed (Fingerling) Selection

Buy healthy tilapia fingerlings from a reputable hatchery or fish farm.

• Weight range: 20–80 grams.
• Transport them in a bucket with fresh water.
• Introduce them to the pond within 6 hours to minimize stress or death.

Step 5: Pond Stocking

Add 3 fingerlings per square meter. A 10×10 meter pond requires 300 fingerlings.

To release them into the pond:

• Float the bucket at the pond’s surface for 15–30 minutes to equalize water temperature.
• Gently tip the bucket at the shallow end to allow the fingerlings to swim out.

Step 6: Supplementary Feeding

Initially, fingerlings feed on natural food. After the first month, supplement their diet twice daily using:

• Rice, maize, or wheat bran (250g per feeding)
• Chopped sukuma wiki (kale)
• Sweet potato vines
• Insects (ants, termites)
• Local fishmeal (omena, dagaa dust)
• Lake shrimps or small dried fish

Proper feeding increases growth rates and reduces time to market.

Step 7: Fish Sampling

Monitor fish growth by sampling monthly:

• Use a scoop net with feed bait.
• Weigh and record sample fish.
• A healthy fish should gain 10–15 grams per month.

Regular sampling helps detect stunted growth or disease early.

Step 8: Pond Maintenance

• Keep surroundings free of weeds and grass.
• Fence the pond to prevent theft and keep out children or animals.
• Maintain water depth between 0.5 and 1.5 meters.
• Clean and repair embankments or water inlets regularly.

Good maintenance ensures a healthy environment for your fish.

Step 9: Harvesting, Storage, and Preservation

Harvesting

Fish are ready after 6 months. You can harvest:

• Partially: Remove only the mature fish and leave the rest to continue growing or breeding.
• Totally: Remove all fish and clean the pond.

To harvest:

1. Use a seine net at the deep end.
2. Pull it slowly toward the shallow end.
3. Gather fish in a clean container of fresh water.
4. Sort and return any underweight fish.

Preservation Methods

Fresh fish should be sold or consumed quickly. For storage:

• Clean and gut the fish immediately.
• Chill using ice or store in a cooler box.
• Preserve by salting, smoking, or sun-drying.

Preserved fish can be sold in dry markets or transported over long distances.

Record Keeping in Fish Farming

Effective fish farming in Kenya requires proper record keeping. Track the following:

• Cost of construction and stocking
• Daily feeding logs
• Fish growth and health
• Harvest amounts and sales income
• Profitability and financial performance

This data helps identify opportunities for improvement and scalability.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Future of Fish Farming in Kenya

As more people adopt healthier diets and protein demand increases, fish farming in Kenya is becoming one of the fastest-growing agribusiness sectors. Support from the government, NGOs, and research institutions is making fish farming more accessible through training and subsidies.

Smart innovations such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), aquaponics, and cage farming in lakes offer opportunities for urban and peri-urban farmers to participate even without large tracts of land.

Conclusion

Fish farming in Kenya provides an opportunity for farmers to earn steady income, improve food security, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced farmer, investing in tilapia farming can be both fulfilling and profitable.

By following the steps in this guide and committing to best practices, you can build a successful fish farming venture and meet the growing demand for quality fish in Kenya and beyond.