African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, May, 2017 Vol 3, No. 4 6 Contributions of Government Fish Farms to Farm Management and Rural Development in Kenya Odwori Paul Okelo School of Economics, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya. okeloodwori@gmail.com Ipara, Hellen Department of Wildlife Management, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya Kimanzi, Johnstone Department of Wildlife Management, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya Muya W, J Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya ABSTRACT Government fish farms in Kenya were started with an aim of promoting aquaculture in the country through production of quality seeds, conducting research, as farmers training facilities, production of fish feeds, to increase fish production and to offer extension services to farmers. Currently there are fifteen Governments owned Fish Farms in Kenya. These fish farms have led to immense farm and rural development. First, the farms offer extension services to farmers which has played a great role in promoting aquaculture production in the country to over 900 tonnes annually; Second, increased job opportunities have resulted - the Government has employed over 200 skilled and 2,000 unskilled labourers; Third, improvement in infrastructure has resulted - electricity and tap water have now been fixed, roads have been improved and maintained which has also enhanced transportation of other farm produce to markets; Fourth, the regional and national food security has improved from consumption of the fish products; Fifth, the resultant fish farming is providing income to farmers and revenue to government amounting to over US$ 2,153,000 annually; Last but not least, the fish farms provide sites for students from Institutions to conduct research and field studies. This paper documents the contributions of Government fish farms to farm management and rural development in Kenya with a view to enhance this practice where possible and lead to establishment of more private fish farms. Key Words: Fish farm, Farm management, rural development BACKGROUND Government fish farms in Kenya were started with an aim of promoting aquaculture in the country through production of quality seeds, conducting research, as farmers training facilities, production of fish feeds, to increase fish production and to offer extension services to farmers (Muthoni, 2013; Ngugi, 2007). Aquaculture is defined as the farming of aquatic organisms, that is some form of production intervention implied in the rearing process to enhance production, (such as regular stocking, feeding, protection from predators), plus individual or corporate ownership of the stock is implied (FAO, 2005). According to FAO (2010), total aquaculture production in 2004 was 41.9 million tonnes, 44.3 million tonnes in 2005, 47.4 million tonnes in 2006, 49.9 million tonnes in 2007, 52.5 million tonnes in 2008 and 55.1 million tonnes in 2009. Compared to conventional livestock and crop farming, aquaculture is much more diverse and varied. There are many diverse species cultured. The different species have different biology and therefore different ecological requirements. They will therefore have different feeding, breeding and water quality requirements. Coupled with different management and intensifications levels used, aquaculture production is very varied and diverse (Karen, 2001; Naylor, 2000). In Kenya, resources have been spent to promote aquaculture development through various aquaculture projects over the last few decades. The promotion started in the early 1920s by the white settlers as a means of supplementing protein sources in the rural areas. This was a non-commercial approach and it was promoted only as