The inserted group picture was taken in the opening of the “Aquaculture training workshop” which was conducted during the period 24 to 28 September in Nairobi (Kenya). The event took place in the premise of Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI).
During the 5-day event, we went through a variety of training tools to ensure an active engagement of the workshop participants including a preliminary lecture delivered by myself starting with the world aquaculture, then African aquaculture before focusing on Kenyan aquaculture. The workshop had a brain storming session in which each participant responded to the issues of concern related to the development of aquaculture in Kenya along with priority setting for possible reasons. The outcomes of this session as long as the presented constraints were crucial for formulating the way forward session where we together were able not only to set a production target for aquaculture in Kenya by also to identify the tools required for the implementation of a short-term plan towards achieving the agreed upon production target. The field visits have been carried out over two days. We visited a fish farm (food fish & ornamental fish), feed mill, training center, and an aquaponic project. During the mission and in linkage with the main agenda of the event, I was able to present a full lecture on the planning of aquaculture projects as well as specific parts on fish genetics and others. These visits are expected to be posted for educational purposes under separate covers.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the KEFRI staff and the course coordinator who did their best and facilitated the day-to-day activities. Special thanks go to the course participants for their dedication to the course and for their active interactions whether in the class room or during the field visits which were essential for having a fruitful and successful workshop. I am grateful to all who made my stay in Kenya an enjoyable experience.
This initiative which is a component of South-South Cooperation between Egypt and Kenya have been supported by Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (Kenya), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Egyptian International Center for Agriculture (EICA) and Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD)
The workshop participants are: Hendrick Owori, Olive Theuri, Justin Ireri, George Akunga, Zachary Winam, Ann Kimotho, Raphael Mbaluka, Morris M James, and Susan Odinga.
