Lake Victoria Aquaculture (LVA)
The LVA Association exists to foster collaboration for a Sustainable, Inclusive Aquaculture Industry on Lake Victoria

COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP
April2024
ABOUT THE LVA ASSOCIATION
The Lake Victoria Aquaculture (LVA) Association is a membership organization established to promote sustainable growth, collaboration, and innovation within the aquaculture sector in the Lake Victoria region. Founded in 2024, the LVA Association was born out of the collective vision of stakeholders who recognized the urgent need for unified advocacy to address challenges facing the aquaculture industry. These challenges include fragmented policies, environmental degradation, and limited access to resources for small and medium enterprises in the region.
The Association was officially launched on October 17, 2024, in Kisumu, marking a historic milestone for the aquaculture sector. The event brought together government representatives, private sector players, non-governmental organizations, and other key stakeholders, signifying a shared commitment to advancing the industry. The launch served as a platform to unveil the association’s mission and objectives, which include fostering dialogue between stakeholders, advocating for favorable regulatory frameworks, and supporting initiatives that strengthen the aquaculture value chain.
Landmark Legal Petition
One of the association’s early achievements was filing a landmark legal petition to challenge the implementation of the controversial aquaculture regulations introduced by the national government. The regulations, which many industry players argued were developed without adequate stakeholder consultation, threatened to stifle innovation and increase operational costs for aquaculture enterprises. By taking a bold stand, the LVA Association demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of its members and ensuring that policies governing the sector are fair, inclusive, and conducive to growth.
At its core, the LVA Association aims to harmonize the regulatory environment by working closely with both national and county governments. It seeks to build consensus around key issues affecting the industry, such as environmental management, access to affordable financing, and the promotion of modern aquaculture practices. Additionally, the association provides a platform for members to share knowledge, access technical expertise, and explore partnerships that enhance the competitiveness of the sector.
As a young but impactful organization, the LVA Association is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aquaculture in the country. Its efforts reflect a collective aspiration to transform the Lake Victoria aquaculture industry into a model of sustainability and economic opportunity, benefiting not only its members but also the broader community that depends on the lake for their livelihoods.