Rio Fish

Rio Fish operates as a social enterprise addressing critical challenges within Kenya's aquaculture value chain. Founded by Co-founder and CEO Angela Odero, a chartered accountant, the company was established to create a more inclusive and sustainable fish industry. Odero's journey began after being exposed to cage fish farming in Uganda and witnessing the stark contrast with Kenya's fish scarcity. This experience, combined with her mother's research on the "sex-for-fish" exploitation in the Lake Victoria region, motivated her to establish a business that could provide women with economic independence and restore their dignity.

Rio Fish tackles a significant supply gap, as local production in Kenya only meets about 30% of the national demand, a problem worsened by overfishing and environmental degradation. The company's business model is centered on an integrated system that supports smallholder fish farmers, a majority of whom are women and youth. It generates revenue by aggregating fish from these farmers, processing it, and distributing it through its own branded outlets to women traders, all managed through a digital platform. This structure provides a consistent and reliable market, mitigating post-harvest losses and ensuring fair prices for producers.

The enterprise directly combats the predatory 'jaboya' practice, where women traders are sexually exploited to gain access to scarce fish. By creating a secure and direct supply chain, Rio Fish empowers women traders to operate independently and safely. The company provides comprehensive support to its network of farmers, including training in climate-smart aquaculture, financial management, access to quality inputs, and seed capital. Recent initiatives include a partnership with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) to advance sustainable practices and a pilot project to convert fish waste into biogas, enhancing operational efficiency. With an annual capacity of 250 metric tons from its cage farm on Lake Victoria, Rio Fish is also looking to expand its product line to include value-added items like fish sausages and cakes.