Lake Victoria Aquaculture (LVA)

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

A MILESTONE LAUNCH

The official launch of LVA on October 17, 2024, in Kisumu marked a historic moment for the aquaculture industry. The event brought together government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners, all united by a shared commitment to strengthening aquaculture as a pillar of the blue economy. The launch provided a platform to introduce LVA’s mission—advocating for fair policies, promoting sustainable practices, and creating opportunities for industry players to thrive.

A LANDMARK LEGAL PETITION
One of LVA’s first major initiatives was challenging restrictive aquaculture regulations introduced by the national government. These regulations, developed without sufficient stakeholder consultation, threatened to increase costs and stifle innovation in the sector. By filing a landmark legal petition, LVA took a bold stand in defending the interests of its members, reinforcing its role as the industry’s voice in policy dialogue. In this case, the court issued an order, suspending the regulations to make room for consultation between the government and stakeholders
Though still in its early stages, LVA is poised to reshape the future of aquaculture in Kenya and the broader Lake Victoria region. By bridging gaps between policymakers, businesses, and communities, it is working to ensure that aquaculture remains a viable, sustainable, and economically empowering sector for generations to come.