Turkana fish traders move to Isiolo Town as demand for tilapia rises

The demand for tilapia in Isiolo has attracted numerous suppliers from Turkana County which is the main source of the fish.

Fish traders have thronged Isiolo Town to find new market for their product.

A trader, Mr Joseph Atele, said he opted to find new market in Isiolo since his animals died due to drought.

The fish harvested from Lake Turkana is transported through Marsabit Town, about 550km from Isiolo Town.

Mr Atele, who runs a family business, buys a fish from the source ranging for Sh30-50 but sells them at Sh100 each in Isiolo.

A carton of fish has 800 pieces and sells within one week.

It is then transported using lorries and risks breakage due to poor roads.

Residents from pastoralist communities living in Isiolo and who are known as meat lovers, have resorted to eating fish.

The demand of fish has, however, increased in the region compared to the past after the county department of fisheries started the “eat more fish campaigns” and has sensitised farmers on the importance of fish farming.

Mr Atele added that most buyers preferred fish harvested from the lake as opposed to pond-reared fish.

“There is adequate market in Isiolo compared to the source where the prices are quite low.

“In Isiolo the demand is high while the supply of the commodity is low,” said Mr Atele.

He said the business has created job opportunities to unemployed youth in Turkana County since most of them have been employed as fishermen or loaders.