Arise Media 
Walking onto the farm in the semi-arid Rianjeru area of Mbeti South Ward in Embu County, you find Ambrose Nyaga inspecting his fish ponds.
He ensures all outlets and inlets function properly before turning into fish-feeding activities across his eight concrete-raised ponds.
“Welcome to ICOHM Fish farm located in the area widely known as County Estates. Apart from keeping fish, we have a fingerlings hatchery,” he says.
Nyaga, a financial expert, started fish farming in 2018 after thinking constantly about a project he could venture into and get an extra shilling.
He says fish farming was his right project since it is not labor-intensive and has no environmental or health hazards.
The journey began with meticulous research into aquaculture techniques, including a selection of fish species best suited for the local climate.
“Having collaborated with experts, attended workshops, and invested time in understanding the delicate balance required for successful fish farming, I resolved to rear Tilapia and Catfish,” he reveals.
He had just completed constructing his family house. Nyaga used his water tank, measuring 8 by 6 feet to rear the first lot.
“I fitted inlets and outlets on the tank and bought 200 fingerlings from a hatchery in Kirinyaga County at Sh10 each to start,” he notes.
Nyaga says after eight months, all his fish were ready for harvesting. Some were consumed by his family while the surplus was sold to neighbors.
Noting that people were interested in fish meat consumption, Nyaga borrowed some cash from a local bank and constructed eight concrete fishponds measuring 12 by 13 feet each where he rears thousands of Tilapia and Catfish varieties.
Experts say fish is a low-fat, high-quality protein and is filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2.
The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week as part of a healthy diet.
“Fish is packed with protein, vitamins, and nutrients that can lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke,” Nyaga notes.
He said the business has continued to flourish following intensive marketing on social media and local farmer groups.
“When they are ready for harvesting, we announce to farmer groups and publicize across social media platforms. Through this, we get buyers. Each kilo goes for Sh600,” he says.
He says some buyers order and pay via mobile money platforms like Airtel Money and Mpesa.
“After payment, we slaughter, pack, and send to respective buyers. For those that are going far, we add ice cubes to prevent fish from spoiling,” says the farmer who runs the venture with the help of family members.
For fingerlings, Nyaga puts them in a packaging material that is tied well and puts some water and oxygen to control mortality.
On his farm, Nyaga has carefully orchestrated a symphony of fish and plants, where the art of integrated farming has taken root.
At the heart of this innovative venture lies the synergy between fish farming and horticulture. Wandering through the farm, one encounters rows of lush vegetables and fruits thriving.
“The water that gets out of the fish ponds is not wasted. I have a piping system that circulates the water in all corners of my farm where I have grown Macadamia, arrowroot, oranges, bananas, and dragon fruits amongst other crops,” he says.
He proudly shares that this integrated approach requires less water and significantly reduces the need for external fertilizers, embodying a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The success of this integrated farming system has caught the attention of agricultural experts and neighboring farmers alike.
Nyaga conducts workshops to share knowledge, emphasizing the potential for transforming conventional farming practices.
The farmer can be reached through +254 721 497294
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Congratulations Mr Nyaga. You are doing a noble job.
Hello my friend you have done it well. I need to taste this fish to add it I need oranges. Are you still doing passion fruits? Congratulations for even impacting this knowledge to others keep it up.