Project Overview:

The fish industry in Kenya plays a crucial role in the economy by providing employment to small-scale and mid-sized fish farmers and contributing to food security. However, it also generates substantial waste, including fish offal and processing residues, which can pose risks to the environment and public health. While repurposing this waste for fishmeal production, fish oil, and organic manure presents potential waste reduction solutions, a significant portion of the waste remains unused.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) through its knowledge centre, the Sustainable Inclusive Business, is undertaking a feasibility study on the use of fish waste as a feedstock for a biogas-to-energy plant. For this study KEPSA is partnering with Rio Fish Ltd, a social enterprise empowering women to manage their own aquaculture enterprises, and is also an aggregator, buying from local fishermen and supporting small-scale cage farming through extension services and capacity building, distributing to markets and value adding.

Project Goals:

1. Organic Waste Management: Develop effective solutions for managing organic waste, including fish guts, scales, and water effluent generated from fish processing, reducing environmental impact.
2. Sustainable Energy Solutions: Generate biogas as a renewable energy source to power cooling processes in fish processing, promoting energy sustainability.
3. Wastewater Management: Implement strategies for managing wastewater produced during fish processing operations, ensuring cleaner production practices.
4. Gender Mainstreaming: Promote gender equality and inclusivity by integrating gender considerations into farm activities.

Funding and Support: This initiative is made possible through a grant from the UK Government, which has been allocated under the UK International Development framework. The funding aims not only to repurpose fish waste into biogas but also to create a positive impact on gender roles within the farming community.

Sustainability Impact: By repurposing fish waste into biogas, the project contributes to a circular economy, reduces waste, and minimizes reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The collaboration with UNCTAD ensures that the project aligns with global sustainability goals and promotes best practices in the fish farming industry.

Project Updates

SIB Team Site visit; Biogas Installation 70% Complete

[Migori, 14^th August 2024]: The Sustainable Inclusive Business Kenya (SIB-K) Team, under the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), is currently working with Rio Fish Farm in Homabay and visiting its processing unit in Migori to assess the implementation of The SMEP Programme (Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme) for #Biogas Plant pilot for the Rio fish farm.

LinkedIn Post

Stake Holders Meeting

[Migori, 15^th August 2024]: The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), through its knowledge center, the Sustainable Inclusive Business Kenya (SIB-K), and Rio Fish Farm Ltd, today hosted a highly collaborative stakeholder meeting in Migori Town. The meeting was attended by 30 participants, comprising fish farmers, traders, Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP), Miltec Engineering representatives, and Migori county government officials. Read more here.