Dave Okech, founder of Aquarech Limited, is transforming Kenya’s aquaculture sector by empowering smallholder farmers through collaboration and innovation. His initiatives focuson sustainability, profitability, and climate-smart practices, driven by partnerships formed through the GFN Agripreneur Accelerator Program.
Dave is set to scale innovative, climate-smart aquaculture practices starting in 2025. In March 2025, Aquarech will host the
Aquaculture Blue Economy Innovation Conference,supported by the U.S. Embassy, to bring together 1,500 stakeholders. The event will promote eco-friendly practices, market linkages, and capacity building for farmers.
With WorldFish providing technical support, Aquarech is introducingdurable, high-capacity HDPE cages that last 20 years and hold up to 60,000 fish, boosting productivity while reducing environmental impact. To overcome financial barriers, Aquarech has partnered with Equity Bank and TechnoServe to launch a $450,000 blended financing program. Farmers can access affordable credit supported by Aquarech’s buy-back system, ensuring year-round production.
Farmers also benefit from the Aquarech App and IoT-enabled water sensors, optimizing feeding and resource efficiency. The Fish Deli App connects consumers to fresh, locally produced fish. By 2025, Aquarech aims to train 5,000 farmers, onboard 500 into contract farming, and increase fish production by 4,500 metric tons, creating 2,000 jobs and raising farmer incomes by 40%.
Visit abei.co.ke for more information.
By sharing data and personal experiences, the GFN Africa Agripreneur Accelerator program is fostering a culture of innovation and growth. Stay connected to track Dave'sprogress, or for more updates and achievements, contact Mary Boote, GFN CEO, [email protected].
