Kisumu Farmers Lose Millions As 24,000 Fish Die Suddenly In Lake Victoria Cages Right Before Harvest

Fish farmers at Kobudo Beach in Seme in Kisumu County are counting heavy losses after about 24,000 fish died in their cages on Lake Victoria. The deaths were discovered on Monday morning and have renewed fears over repeated fish kills in the lake.

Farmers arrived to find their fish floating dead while the water gave off a foul smell. Many had taken loans hoping cage farming would give them a steadier income than traditional fishing.

Peter Omulo said he borrowed Ksh500,000 six months ago to set up four cages holding about 24,000 fish. He expected to harvest in November and earn at least Ksh4.8 million. Now he may lose everything and still owe the loan.

Scientists at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute blame a process called upwelling. It happens when oxygen-poor water from the deep part of the lake rises to the surface where the caged fish are kept.

The Winam Gulf is shallow and almost enclosed. Rivers such as Nyando and Sondu carry waste into it. When strong winds or heavy rain stir the water the layers mix and the fish struggle to breathe. Unlike wild fish those in cages cannot swim away.

Farmers across the lake lost fish worth about Ksh1 billion in 2024 and 2025. In September 2025 fish also died in about 12 of 100 cages at Dunga Beach.

Kisumu County says major oxygen drops usually occur between February and March and again from September to early November. The Kobudo deaths fell within this risky period.

Experts warned that farming practices can make matters worse. Uneaten feed and waste from the cages pile up in the water and use up more oxygen. Many farmers still fear more losses.

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