Maryanne’s success in fish farming

While many of her peers are still figuring out their next steps, Maryanne has already charted her path in a growing sector: fish farming.

She is part of a new wave of young Kenyan aqua-preneurs building careers through the Youth in Sustainable Aquaculture (YISA) programme, a programme led by Farm Africa in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.

Her journey began in 2022, almost by accident. She had watched others try aquaculture but never imagined herself wading into it. Then, she attended a YISA training session hosted by YISA consortium partner Aquarech. Something stirred.

“I was curious,” she says, “I wanted to understand how it worked and whether it could change my life. More than anything, I wanted a way to earn an income and make sure families around me could access nutritious food.”

That curiosity prompted her to join the YISA programme, which is working to build a thriving and dynamic fish farming industry in Kenya to create 150,000 sustainable, meaningful and dignified work opportunities for young women and men including persons with disabilities (PWDs) and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The programme provided her with more than just information. It also gave her tools, confidence and a community.

With support from Aquarech, she learned how to manage ponds, keep records and feed fish sustainably. Through Aquarech’s network, she accessed affordable fingerlings (young fish) and quality fish feed, easing the daunting first steps of her aquaculture journey.

Maryanne hit bumps along the road. Feeds were expensive, and every farmer knows the heartbreak of fish mortality. Each challenge tested her resolve.

“There were days I thought I couldn’t do it,” she admits. But she had support. Local service providers visited regularly, guiding her through setbacks. The Aquarech app also became her pocket mentor, helping her track growth and expenses.

Her turning point came when she received a grant from the program challenge fund. With it, she treated and restocked her pond, bought feeds, and prepared for her first big cycle. It was an investment of faith.

After eight months, the moment she had been waiting for arrived: her first harvest.

Young men supporting in the harvesting of fish. Photo: Aquarech/Prisicillah Aketch

“Eight months is a long time,” she says with a laugh. “But patience is everything in fish farming. When I finally saw the results, it was worth every single day of waiting.”

Her fish sold quickly to Fish Farmilia shops and local traders. With the income, she immediately reinvested, restocking her pond with confidence. This time, she was not just hopeful but experienced.

Her success rippled outward. Her siblings, inspired by her determination, joined her, and today they manage three fish ponds together. She has created eight jobs on her farm, giving other young people in her village an opportunity to learn, earn and believe in their own potential.

Maryanne’s brother grades harvested fish. Photo: Aquarech/Prisicillah Aketch

The impact on her own life is undeniable. With her earnings, Maryanne now helps pay school fees for her siblings and supports her household. Her once modest dream has turned her into a role model for her community.

In a field often seen as a male dominated field, she stands proudly as proof that aquaculture is a viable and empowering career for young women.

As she gazes over her ponds, she reflects with gratitude. “Thank you to Aquarech, Lattice and the other YISA programme partners who supported me. Because of you, fish farming has transformed my life.”

Discover more youth success stories in the YISA Q3 Impact Stories report: