Fish Shortage Looms in Eldoret: Urgent Call for Suppliers to Meet Surging Demand
“We’re now a city, and as suppliers, you need to increase fish supply because many people, including investors, will soon be flocking into our city,” said Kebenei.
Eldoret City is facing an increasing demand for fish, and County Director of Licensing and Compliance David Kebenei has urged suppliers to scale up their efforts to meet this growing need. Speaking on Tuesday in Langas Ward during a public participation session, Kebenei emphasized the need for proactive measures to ensure the city’s supply of the popular delicacy keeps pace with its rising population.
“We’re now a city, and as suppliers, you need to increase fish supply because many people, including investors, will soon be flocking into our city,” said Kebenei. He highlighted that Eldoret has struggled for years to meet the fish demand, a challenge that must be addressed as the city continues to grow.
The public participation was held in response to a petition by Eldoret Fish Mongers, the main fish wholesalers in the city, against the entry of Victory Farms into the wholesale and retail fish market in Eldoret. The fishmongers expressed concerns that Victory Farms’ plans to establish small kiosks for wholesale and retail would negatively impact their businesses.
Florence Akinyi Onyango, also known as Mama Dota, who is a key player in the local fish trade, shared her concerns. “Victory Farms delivers up to 200 tonnes of fish per month, which I then sell wholesale to retailers, thereby employing hundreds of people in the value chain,” Akinyi explained. She added, “We have proof of towns where Victory Farms’ entry into wholesale and retail markets led to the closure of businesses.”
Akinyi argued that allowing Victory Farms to engage in both wholesale and retail would be detrimental to local wholesalers like herself, who rely on selling fish to smallholders across various estates.
After extensive discussions, Director Kebenei resolved that Victory Farms should remain focused on supplying fish, leaving the wholesale and retail business to local fishmongers. “Victory Farms should continue as suppliers of fish rather than engaging in the wholesale business,” Kebenei concluded, reaffirming the county’s commitment to supporting local enterprises.
Sio Scissors, one of the directors of Victory Farms, led his company’s delegation during the session and outlined the reasons behind their intention to enter the wholesale and retail market. Despite the pushback, the decision emphasizes the county’s priority in balancing the interests of established local businesses with the broader goal of meeting the city’s growing demand for fish.
About Author
