HOMA BAY – Victory Group has launched a high-capacity fish hatchery in Homa Bay County, aiming to triple Kenya’s domestic fish supply and ease pressure on Lake Victoria’s declining wild stocks. The facility, now fully operational, can produce up to 30,000 tons of fish each year. That translates to roughly 60 million fish annually, or enough for each Kenyan to access three fish per year. It’s a significant jump from last year’s yield, which met only one fish per citizen.
“This hatchery is built to meet the demand of a growing nation,” said Victory Group co-founder Steve Moran during the opening ceremony. “It allows us to increase annual production to three fish per person.”
Fish raised in the hatchery will be transferred to grow-out sites, then processed at a nearby plant for distribution across Kenya. The facility will also serve independent fish farmers by supplying fingerlings regionally and beyond.
Kenya’s total fish production stands at 112,000 metric tons, just a quarter of the national demand, which is estimated at 450,000 metric tons. The Kenya Fisheries Service acknowledged the new hatchery as a welcome private-sector move toward closing the gap.
“This project will help increase fish supply without relying entirely on overfished natural water bodies,” said Dr. Simon Macharia, who spoke on behalf of the Fisheries Service Director General. “It will benefit both Victory Farms and independent farmers.”
Community leaders have praised the project for its broader economic impact. Joab Ikawa, Secretary of the Kaksingri Council of Elders, emphasized the hatchery’s job creation potential for youth and retirees, particularly those with land available for pond farming.
Dr. Simon Macharia urged the government to prioritize infrastructure upgrades. “Better roads are essential if we want to maintain the quality of perishable fish products,” he said.
Assistant Chief Walter Odiga of Kaksingri West also noted the social benefits of Victory’s decade-long presence in the area. “Crime rates have dropped, and many young people now have jobs,” he said. “This hatchery expands those gains.”
The facility supports the government’s broader aquaculture strategy, which encourages cage fish farming to supplement shrinking wild catches. With the new hatchery online, the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to increase collaboration with private fish producers. The hatchery is expected to supply fingerlings and create jobs, while strengthening food security and rural incomes. The company has also indicated that it plans to partner with more counties in the coming year.
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