In 2008, Faith Kanaya Buluma, a 55-year-old resident of Nangina village in Busia County, embarked on a new journey—venturing into the fish-selling business.
Her original plan was to source fish from Lake Victoria, but she faced an unexpected hurdle—she realized she might have to compromise her principles to acquire the fish.
Refusing to take that path, Buluma sought an alternative route to fulfill her vision in the fish business.
With the support of a social organization in 2009, she successfully established the Mingfa Fish Farm, creating a fish pond. Subsequently, she visited the local offices of the Ministry of Fisheries, where she not only received additional training but also assistance in constructing another pond.
Starting with an investment of Sh13,000 for 1,000 tilapia fingerlings, Buluma’s determination paid off as her initial sales yielded a profit of approximately Sh79,000.
Currently, Buluma manages four fish ponds, with two already operational. Her goal is to harvest fish twice a year as she expands her venture.
Beyond fish farming, Buluma opened Namboboto Aquashop in Busia town in 2010. Addressing the challenge of procuring fish feed, she utilized her meager savings and a loan to establish the store. The shop not only sells fish feed and aquaculture products but also provides services like constructing and repairing fish ponds, connecting fish farmers with markets. Her clientele extends beyond Kenya, reaching fish traders from Uganda.
Despite her success, Buluma faces challenges, primarily unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change. Relying on rainwater for the ponds, she encounters difficulties during dry spells.
However, her initial hurdle was the lack of resources, especially land, to start her business. It took time for her husband to permit the use of his land for the fish farm.
