ShoShin Innovation Hub has officially launched its smart aquaculture solution, eSamaki, at a Radisson Blu breakfast event in partnership with Gatsby, signaling a major step forward for Kenya’s Blue Economy. The launch follows months of groundwork in Kisii County, where ShoShin has been piloting the technology among fish farmers to collect data, refine its tools, and demonstrate its transformative potential.
The event brought together industry leaders and policymakers, including Dr. Paul Orina, Director General of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), and Hon. Betsy, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, who delivered the keynote address. In her speech, Hon. Betsy emphasized the vital role of innovation in empowering smart farmers, building resilient climate ecosystems, and positioning aquaculture as a driver of food security and economic growth. KMFRI’s involvement underscores the importance of scientific validation, as the institute continues to provide technical expertise, research oversight, and policy alignment to ensure that eSamaki complements national strategies for fisheries and marine resource management.
At the heart of the pilot is eSamaki’s ability to blend technology with grassroots farming practices. By combining IoT-enabled sensors, a mobile app, and a USSD platform, the system allows farmers to monitor pond water quality in real time, track fish growth from fingerling to harvest, and detect stress or disease before it leads to costly losses. Kisii farmers involved in the program are already experiencing a shift from guesswork to data-driven management, enabling them to adjust feeding schedules, safeguard water quality, and plan harvests with greater accuracy.
ShoShin’s field reports show that early adopters are benefiting from reduced risks and improved productivity. Real-time water quality readings such as pH and dissolved oxygen levels have helped prevent pond mismanagement, while early detection of stress has enabled farmers to act before minor issues escalate into major setbacks. Training sessions have also been central to the rollout, equipping farmers with the skills to interpret data and apply insights to everyday decision-making.
The partnership with Gatsby has been instrumental in de-risking the initiative, allowing ShoShin to collect credible data and validate eSamaki under real farming conditions. Support from the Kisii County Government, through the Agriculture and Blue Economy Development Program, has also ensured that the technology is firmly embedded in local realities. While challenges such as sensor calibration, connectivity, and adoption remain, ShoShin’s collaborative approach with KMFRI, government partners, and farmers is laying the groundwork for sustainable scaling.
The Radisson Blu launch was more than a product showcase; it was a convergence of innovation, policy, and science. With government leaders affirming their support and farmers already seeing tangible results, eSamaki represents more than a smart farming tool, it is a pathway to resilient aquaculture, climate-smart livelihoods, and a stronger Blue Economy for Kenya.
