16 research outputs found
Molecular Characterization and Diversity of Bacteria Isolated from Fish and Fish Products Retailed in Kenyan Markets
No full textFish products are highly vulnerable to microbial contamination due to their soft tissues, making them perishable and harmful to consumers. The clinical and subclinical infections reported by fish consumers are mainly associated with pathogenic microorganisms in fish products. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing the molecular profiles and diversity of the bacterial isolates from fish and fish products obtained from Kirinyaga County markets in Kenya. A total of 660 samples were randomly sampled in six Kirinyaga County markets and transported to Kenyatta University for bacterial isolation. The fish skin surface was cut using a sterile knife and blended in buffered peptone water. The blended product was serially diluted and plated on nutrient agar. After 24 hours, the bacteria cultures were subcultured to obtain pure bacterial isolates. The pure isolates were grouped and characterized based on their morphology and biochemical characteristics. One representative of each group was selected for bacterial DNA extraction. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified using the 27F and 1492R primers, and the obtained PCR product was subjected to Sanger-based sequencing using the same primers. Morphological characterization yielded 54 morpho groups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Citrobacter freundii, Bacillus sp. and Alcaligenes faecalis. Bacillus sp. was the most dominant group, as compared to other isolates in the study. The study, therefore, revealed diverse bacterial strains from the fish products. This high microbial diversity calls for heightened surveillance to prevent possible foodborne disease outbreaks
Socio-economic consequences of imported frozen tilapia in the Kenyan aquaculture value chain: Strategies for optimizing local unexploited potential
No full textCapture fisheries production sector, which is the main source of consumed fish in Kenya has been declining over the years, causing huge deficit in fish supply in local market. Even though aquaculture has been fronted as a step-gap measure, there are still eminent fish supply gaps, prompting importation of frozen tilapia, mainly from China. However, the imported fish has attracted numerous socio-economic debates between proponents and opponents of fish imports, almost in equal measure. This study investigated the socio-economic consequences of the imported tilapia in the local fish market and value chain linkages in Kisumu County. Primary data were collected using direct interviews with pre-set questionnaires fed into Open Data Kit (ODK) platform, and observations from 60 randomly selected fishermen and 60 fish farmers, 100 fish traders and 96 households. Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted. About 57% of the respondents processed and traded on the imported frozen tilapia, 27% of them traded on fish from capture fisheries, while 16 % traded on fish from the local aquaculture sector. Imported tilapia was the cheapest at Ksh. 200/kg compared to the locally produced tilapia at Ksh. 320/kg. At least 62 % of the households in Kisumu consumed imported tilapia regularly due to lower prices and availability. About 46 % of the respondents have gained direct employment and experienced improved socio-economic status due to the imported fish, of which 71 % are youth and women. However, about 40% of the respondents reported multiple job losses and degraded socio-economic status due to poor market for the locally produced tilapia, whether from the capture or culture sector. The study concluded that the importation of frozen tilapia can potentially reduce socio-economic returns from the local fisheries and aquaculture value chains. A rational approach is to optimize local fish production to saturate the local market and potentially out-price the imported frozen tilapia. Appropriate government policies tackling the importation of fish into the country can also help reduce the negative impacts of these imported fish on the local fish market systems
Prevalence of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. Isolates In Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya
No full textBackground: There is no information on human and animal Cryptosporidium spp. in Njoro sub- county. The risk posed to humans and animals within the sub-county is therefore unknown.Materials and Methods: A total of 1476 animal and 378 human fecal samples were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate association between infection status and the predisposing factors. Results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval. Chi-square and Maentel–Haenszel tests were used to quantify relationships among variables.Results: Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 9.8% in humans, 10.8% in cows, 19.6% in sheep and 4.5% in goats. Prevalence in humans was significantly higher in females 12/37. Infection was highest in the elderly (27.27%), and significantly lower in adolescents and adults at 8.66% and 9.59%, respectively. Goats had lowest overall parasitization at all levels, while sheep had the highest parasitization at levels (+1 and +2). Relatively, humans had the highest parasite counts +3 cases (1.5%).Conclusion: Cryptosporidium spp. is prevalent in Njoro sub-county and domestic animals are important reservoirs and a potential source of zoonosis in humans. Children, elderly and females are at increased risk of infection, especially during rainy season. The study recommends maintenance of proper sanitation when handling domestic animals, treatment of drinking water and use of alternative safer sources of water in order to reduce infection
On‐farm growth performance of different strains of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus reared in earthen ponds
No full textAbstract The growth of aquaculture sector in Kenya has been anchored on farmed Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Different strains of the species exist in Kenya with unknown quality due to lack of stock improvement programmes coupled by variations in breeding and management practices in different hatcheries. The seeds supplied to farmers have not exhibited good performance and resilience to changing climate. There is need to validate the quality of strains supplied to fish farmers in Kenya. This study sought to compare the growth performance of three strains of farmed Nile tilapia; Sagana strain (SAG‐F8) produced through selective breeding, super YY strain (KAM‐YY) from Kamuthanga fish farm and the local strain (LOC‐T) obtained from Siaya County. The fish were stocked in fertilised earthen ponds measuring 300 m2 in triplicates at 3 fish/m2. The fish were fed on 35% crude protein diet for 180 days at Bukani Aquapark located in Busia County, Kenya. There was no significant difference in mean weight gain (MWG) between SAG‐F8 and LOC‐T strain exhibiting 159.786 ± 6.76 g and 158.623 ± 4.67 g, respectively. However, under similar conditions, the KAM‐YY strain had a significantly lower MWG (131.74 ± 4.75 g) compared to the two strains. Food conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) did not demonstrate any significant difference among the different strains. The body protein content in the SAG‐F8 fish strain was higher (65.40 ± 0.20%) followed by LOC‐T strain (61.23 ± 2.34%) and lastly KAM‐YY strain had the lowest (60.37 ± 0.89%). In this study, the impact of genetic improvement has been demonstrated to influence growth and feed efficiency as well as body composition. These improved strains will substantially increase fish production and productivity, hence, a positive impact on the fish farmers' livelihoods when supplied to the farmers and seed multipliers
Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic and Adaptive Strategies to Build Resilience in the Kenyan Aquaculture Sector
No full textThis study examines the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and adaptive strategies to build resilience among stakeholders and actors in the aquaculture value chain in Kenya. Prior to the pandemic, Kenya's aquaculture sector had progressed from a minor player to a key component of the country's fish food system. Fish and fishery products have become the most heavily traded food commodity in the Kenyan markets. The results indicate the pandemic had significant impacts on the access to aquaculture inputs, fish trade, and socio-economic livelihoods of the aquaculture value chain stakeholders and actors during the two whole years. Thus, initial and longer-term adaptive measures, in particular by private sector players and government agencies, can contribute to building resilience to multiple shocks and stressors among stakeholders and actors in the aquaculture sector. Some measures include a government incentive package to overcome the damage to the fisheries and aquaculture sector, improve farming operations and win the market trust and adopt new methods such as intelligent sensors, camera systems and automated or remotely controlled monitoring/feeding strategies to reduce labour intensity. Such measures and policies can cushion the sector against future shocks occasioned by such pandemics
The Fish Feed Sector in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda: Current Status, Challenges, and Strategies for Improvement—A Comprehensive Review
No full textThis review paper provides an in-depth analysis of the current status, challenges, and strategies for improvement within the fish feed industry in East Africa, focusing on Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Aquaculture production in these countries is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for fish and fish products for both nutritional and economic purposes. Despite the market facilitating the transition from extensive to semi-intensive and moderately intensive farming systems across the four countries, the sector’s progress is hampered by a lack of sustainable, locally produced, high-quality, and cost-effective fish feeds tailored to different developmental stages of fish. Despite the evident need, there is a notable scarcity of comprehensive reviews addressing the regional perspective of fish feed due to heightened cross-border trade driven by the soaring demand and increased installation of cages in Lake Victoria, as well as in inland dams and reservoirs. This paper addresses critical challenges, such as regional scarcity and limited access to quality feed ingredients, regulatory obstacles, insufficient quality control measures, infrastructure constraints, and a lack of awareness and understanding of feed management and formulation. To overcome these challenges, the paper recommends fostering collaboration to establish a robust regional fish feed supply chain, investing in research and development initiatives, advocating for policy reforms and regulatory support, and compliance with East African Community quality standards for fish feed. Moreover, there is an urgent need to enhance human resource capacity through training and extension services, promote public investment support, strengthen sector institutions and industry associations, conduct training and awareness programs for feed providers, and improve storage facilities to maintain feed quality. The paper provides policymakers with valuable insights to inform targeted interventions that will catalyze positive transformation within the fish feed industry in East Africa
Current Status and Production Trends of Commercially Cultured Mariculture Species Along the Kenyan Coast: Challenges, Opportunities and Future Prospects
No full textABSTRACT Mariculture holds significant promise for enhancing food security, blue economy development and climate‐resilient livelihoods along Kenya's 640 km coastline. This review synthesises over two decades of empirical and grey literature to examine the current status, production trends, challenges and future prospects of commercially cultured mariculture species in Kenya. The review focuses on key species including milkfish (Chanos chanos), rabbitfish (Siganus sutor), seaweed (Eucheuma spp.), mud crab (Scylla serrata), prawns (Penaeus spp.), oysters (Saccostrea cucullata), Artemia franciscana and sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra). Despite a favourable marine environment and policy recognition, the sector remains underdeveloped, with total production in 2023 reaching only 112 metric tons. Major constraints include limited hatchery capacity, weak technical knowledge, policy and regulatory fragmentation, infrastructural gaps and fragile market linkages. Nonetheless, emerging opportunities are evident: seaweed farming has shown rapid expansion with high female participation; integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) offers ecological and economic efficiencies; and strategic investments such as the National Mariculture Resource and Training (NAMARET) Center promise to improve seed and training access. The review identifies the potential for upscaling finfish and shellfish farming, diversifying species portfolios and strengthening mariculture value chains through policy alignment, climate adaptation and blue economy integration. Addressing key constraints through targeted investment, inclusive community participation, and sustainable technologies will be critical to unlocking the sector's growth. This synthesis provides a foundation for policymakers, researchers and stakeholders to develop resilient, inclusive and market‐oriented mariculture systems in coastal Kenya
Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Of Fish Handlers in Kirinyaga County Markets, Kenya
No full textFish and fish products have high nutritional value and are important in supplementing human diet. Fish products have little or no cholesterol and saturated fat, but instead have omega 3 and low-fat content essential for human health. Despite the high nutritional value of fish products, their consumption is hindered significantly by setbacks such as spoilage and foodborne diseases that spread through contamination in the fish supply chain. The objective of this study was to evaluate fish vendors' attitudes, knowledge, and practices on food safety in selected markets in Kirinyaga County that included Sagana, Tebere, Mwea, Ndia, Kianyaga, and Kerugoya markets. A structured questionnaire was administered to 54 fish vendors to collect information on fish safety, spoilage, risk factors, personal hygiene, food contamination, type of hazards, foodborne diseases and attitudes towards training on food safety. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to analyze the data from the respondents. The relationship between fish vendors’ demographic characteristics and risk factors was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The majority of the fish vendors had a positive attitude towards education in hygiene practices (56%). There was a positive correlation between education and fish vendors' awareness of fish foodborne diseases at p<0.05. The study revealed that fish foodborne diseases awareness was positively influenced by respondents' level of experience and age. Moreover, there was also a significant (p˂ 0.05) positive correlation on the awareness of fish foodborne diseases with hygiene and food safety. Majority of the fish handlers had average level of knowledge, attitude and hygiene practices for food safety. These findings presented a foundation for formulating policies to increase food safety and hygiene practices of fish handlers in the region, thereby preventing foodborne diseases and postharvest losses. The results of this study can also form a basis for an in-depth research for students and researchers in various disciplines such as public health, marketing, community development and more
Exploring future scenarios for advancing low emission development in Kenyan aquatic food systems
No full textThis study aims to closely explore the potential of sustainable climate smart aquaculture (CSA) technologies, innovations and management practices (TIMPs) and sustainable fisheries management practices to reduce GHG emissions in Kenya while increasing climate resilience and boosting food production. In this paper, we used a mixed-methods approach for a systematic review process and a multistakeholder workshop that were conducted to explore future scenarios on the transformation and development of aquatic food systems. In Kenya, priority areas with high potential for low-GHG emissions in aquaculture include (i) selective breeding, (ii) solar powered recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs), (iii) aquaponics, (iv) novel fish feed alternatives, such as biofloc technology (BFT), periphyton technology (PPT) and sustainable biowaste management using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), (v) integrated agriculture–aquaculture (IAA) and integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems (IMTAs). For capture fisheries, the main objective is to reduce fuel combustion and bottom contact while outlining the prospects of using fuel alternatives and limiting fishing efforts to reduce GHG emissions in the sector. Furthermore, post-harvest technologies support the addition of fish value and minimize food waste, while optimized processing efficiency reduces the release of GHG emissions. This paper recommends the formulation of supporting public and private sector policies that include incentives and capacity enhancement of local communities to encourage adoption and upscaling of CSA technologies. This will support the transition to low-GHG aquaculture production in Kenya’s aquaculture sector. In doing so, it will enhance food security while minimizing the negative impacts of fisheries and aquaculture on the environment
Status of fish health management and biosecurity measures in fish farms, cages and hatcheries in western Kenya.
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