(Suba, Homa Bay) – Residents of Suba in Homa Bay County have resorted to fish theft as a shortcut to access the delicacy instead of fishing or purchasing it legally. While many in the region are traditional fishermen, some locals near the Rowo shoreline have shifted from fishing to stealing fish, particularly from Victory Farms, a leading private fish farming company.
Victory Farms produces tilapia using cages in Lake Victoria and fishponds near its shores. The company received approval from President William Ruto to expand its production from 100,000 tons to 150,000 tons annually to meet growing demand.
Most of its fish cages are located off the Rowo shoreline, with additional fish cultivated in ponds. These ponds have become frequent targets of theft. Over the past few months, the company reported significant losses as thieves raided the ponds.
According to Victory Farms’ Development Officer, Caesar Asiyo, the company has played a key role in reducing tilapia imports from China by 50%. However, he expressed concern over the financial and economic impact of these thefts.
“This theft is not just a challenge for our company but also for the local community and Kenya’s economy. Fish are the backbone of our operations,” said Mr. Asiyo.
The thefts typically occur at night when the ponds are unattended. To address the issue, Victory Farms has begun collaborating with locals to identify the culprits. The company has also reached out to security officials to help curb the crimes.
Mr. Asiyo urged law enforcement to take decisive action, saying, “Police should take legal measures against these criminals. This will set an example for others with similar intentions.”
Central Suba Deputy County Commissioner Beatrice Odira confirmed receiving reports of fish theft at Victory Farms. She assured residents that security forces are addressing the issue.
“Anyone involved in this illegal activity must stop. Our officers are doing everything possible to catch the suspects,” said Ms. Odira.
Key Facts on Victory Farms Theft Issue
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Suba, Homa Bay County |
| Target | Fish ponds at Victory Farms |
| Product Impacted | Tilapia |
| Reported Losses | Not quantified but significant |
| Company Contribution | 50% reduction in tilapia imports from China |
| Security Measures | Collaboration with locals and law enforcement |
