On December 6 2024, the Aquaculture Academy proudly celebrated the opening of its newest campus in Rangwe, a step forward in empowering the aquaculture sector in Kenya. The campus, located on the farm of Hezron Oyanda, exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and community-driven development in the aquaculture sector.
This partnership with Hezron Oyanda is no coincidence. As the winner of the 2024 Best Fish Farmer Competition, Hezron is a beacon of excellence in the aquaculture industry in Homa Bay. With years of experience growing fingerlings and mentoring farmers in the community, he is the perfect ambassador for this initiative.
A classroom like no other
The Rangwe Campus stands out for its innovative approach. Unlike traditional training sites, this classroom is constructed from a repurposed shipping container—a testament to the Academy’s commitment to sustainability and practical solutions. Running entirely on solar power, the container classroom is not only eco-friendly but also portable, providing a “plug-and-play” model for quality training.
Why a shipping container? It’s simple: ease of construction, mobility, and the opportunity to repurpose existing materials rather than starting from scratch. The result is a functional, modern classroom equipped with everything needed for impactful training sessions. Inside, it houses water testing kits, feed samples, beamers, electricity, chairs, and tables—all the essentials for aquaculture education.
When in use, the long end of the container opens up to create an indoor-outdoor learning environment. Chairs can be arranged outside under a retractable sunscreen, allowing participants to learn in comfort. The trainer, stationed inside the container, delivers engaging lessons, seamlessly blending indoor resources with an open-air setup.
Learning by Doing: The power of practical training
The Rangwe Campus offers more than just theoretical knowledge; it emphasizes a hands-on approach. Theoretical sessions are alternated with practical demonstrations and activities on-site at Hezron’s farm. This unique blend ensures that trainees not only understand the principles but can apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
The “feet-in-the-water” training method ensures that learners grasp concepts more clearly and retain them for longer. Whether it’s water quality testing, feed management, or fish handling techniques, participants gain invaluable experience that sets them apart as skilled professionals in the aquaculture field.
A community celebration
The opening event was a festive affair, drawing a crowd of former trainees, local farmers, trainers, industry partners and other aquaculture enthusiasts. Many attendees shared their success stories, highlighting how training with Samaki Poa and the Aquaculture Academy has transformed their lives.
From securing new jobs to launching entrepreneurial ventures, the impact of these training programs resonates throughout the community. This new campus promises to amplify that impact by bringing accessible, high-quality education even closer to the Homa Bay region.
Samaki Poa: Driving innovation in aquaculture training
The establishment of the Rangwe Campus is a testament to the transformative efforts of the Samaki Poa project. This four-year initiative, supported by Norway through Norad, is dedicated to strengthening the aquaculture sector in East Africa. By improving access to essential knowledge and resources, Samaki Poa is empowering farmers and fostering sustainable growth in the industry.
The project brings together the expertise of its partners: Lattice, Blue Planet Academy, and Tunga Nutrition/Skretting. Together, these organizations are addressing the challenges in the aquaculture value chain, creating opportunities for farmers and businesses alike.
Samaki Poa’s mission is realized through practical, hands-on training at Aquaculture Academy sites like Rangwe and other training hubs across East Africa. The initiative also leverages digital innovation via its online learning platform, howtodoaquaculture.com, offering accessible, high-quality resources to a wider audience across the continent.
Through these combined efforts, Samaki Poa is transforming aquaculture education—equipping farmers with the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to thrive in a competitive market. The Rangwe Campus is a shining example of this mission in action, bringing practical, innovative training directly to the communities that need it most.
Ready to learn more or explore opportunities in the aquaculture industry? Contact Larive International and let’s build a sustainable future together.
