Since 2021, fish farmers around Lake Victoria have faced recurring losses due to mass fish deaths, largely caused by oxygen depletion in ponds. Addressing this challenge, Elizabeth Gakinya, an electrical and electronics engineer and aquaculture specialist, has introduced an innovative technology to help farmers monitor their fish ponds in real time.
Gakinya, who is also the founder of Trident Analytics, developed a smart aquaculture system that uses sensors combined with artificial intelligence to track key water quality indicators such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. The system sends updates every 15 minutes directly to farmers' mobile phones, enabling early detection of potential problems.
"Water quality is the foundation of a healthy fish pond," Gakinya said, emphasizing the importance of clean and well-oxygenated water. Her prototype includes a buoy equipped with underwater sensors, aerators, and water pumps that automatically adjust pond conditions when necessary.
The complete setup, costing around Ksh90,000, is designed to be accessible for smallholder farmers, even those managing a single pond. Beyond water monitoring, Gakinya has integrated AI-powered automatic feeders that use cameras to assess fish size and colour, providing insights into fish health and optimizing feeding practices.
Additionally, the platform allows farmers to maintain digital records of pond conditions and fish health over time. This data can support farm management decisions and enhance access to financing by providing credible operational histories.
Elizabeth Gakinya shared her innovation during the 25th episode of Co-op Bank's Youth Forums, which aims to equip young Kenyans with entrepreneurial and business skills, highlighting the role of technology in transforming aquaculture.
