ABOUT THE LVA ASSOCIATION

The Lake Victoria Aquaculture (LVA) Association is a membership-based organization dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, collaboration, and innovation in the aquaculture sector within the Lake Victoria region.

Established in 2024, LVA was founded by industry stakeholders who recognized the urgent need for unified advocacy to address key challenges such as fragmented policies, environmental threats, and limited resources for small and medium enterprises.

Currently incubated by Ohala Kenya, the LVA Association benefits from strategic support in governance, administration, and communications. Ohala Kenya serves as its interim secretariat, helping to lay the foundation for a strong, independent organization that can drive meaningful change in the sector.

FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. Hon. Ochieng’ Mbeo, Chair, Lake View Fisheries
2. Ms. Bella Akinyi, CEO, Bolena Tilapia
3. Mr. Caesar Asiyo – CDO, Victory Farms
4.Mr. David Okech – CEO, AquaRech
5. Dr. Enos Were, CEO, Jewlet Enterprises
6. Ms. Angela Odero, CEO, Rio Fish
7. Ms. Atieno C. Otieno, Advocate
8. Mr. Fred Obudho, CEO, Great Lakes Feeds
9. Mr. Rafik Dhanji – Chair., Arzara Fresh
10. Mr. Pete Ondeng,CEO, Ohala Kenya

FORGING COLLABORATION

Since its formation just over a year ago, LVA has rapidly emerged as the leading voice for aquaculture stakeholders in Kenya’s Lake Region. In a sector historically marked by fragmentation, regulatory uncertainty, and chronic underinvestment, LVA has created a unified platform for collaboration, advocacy, and shared growth.

The Association has successfully mobilized a diverse community of fish farmers, hatcheries, feed producers, processors, researchers, and value chain actors, laying the foundation for a more coordinated and professionalized industry.

LANDMARK PETITION

LVA’s most notable achievement to date has been its leadership in championing regulatory and legislative reform. In response to the government’s abrupt introduction of punitive licensing regulations in December 2024, LVA galvanized industry stakeholders, mounted a successful legal challenge, and helped initiate a more transparent, inclusive policy review process.

The Association has since played a central role in national dialogues on the Fisheries Management and Development Bill 2024, positioning itself as a credible and solutions-oriented partner to government. Through its legal, policy, and advocacy work, LVA is helping to shape a regulatory environment that is not only constitutionally sound, but also responsive to the real needs and aspirations of the aquaculture sector.

The Association is also committed to proactive engagement with local, regional, and international bodies working to reverse the environmental degradation of the lake, which poses a growing threat to both the economic resilience and social fabric of the communities that depend on it. LVA believes that aquaculture, when well-managed and equitably supported, can become a key driver of sustainable development—not only for Kenya, but for the entire Lake Victoria Basin.