Introduction
The fish market in Kenya is inherently competitive, volatile, and frequently marked by supply shortages (KMFRI, 2021). Tharaka Nithi County, like many other Counties, faces significant challenges due to underdeveloped fish market infrastructure. Historically, the County has not been a traditional consumer of fish, resulting in low initial demand for fish and fish products. However, targeted interventions such as fish fairs and social behavior change communication (SBCC) campaigns have gradually stimulated local interest and increased consumption.
Despite this progress, many fish farmers have delayed harvesting, citing unstructured market systems and exploitative practices. These conditions have discouraged timely sales, leading farmers to retain fish in ponds beyond optimal harvest periods. Consequently, maintenance costs have risen, eroding potential profits and undermining the sustainability of fish farming enterprises in the region.
A baseline survey carried out by the Aquaculture Business Development Program (ABDP) in Tharaka Nithi County noted the challenges of prolonged droughts, porous soils, predators, unavailable and costly feeds, scarcity of quality fingerlings and an unstructured fish market as the major hindrances to fish farming in the County.
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