Fishery Potential and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Small Water Bodies in Narok and Nakuru Counties, Kenya

Abstract

In 2022, this study assessed the fishery potential of Lake Solai, Kenyatta, Melelo, and Kikuyian Dams, incorporating fisheries data, environmental characteristics, and community perceptions on fishery development. Water quality parameters varied among the water bodies, with Kenyatta Dam recording lower temperatures (<17 °C). Dissolved oxygen levels remained consistently above 5 mg/L in all water bodies. Lake Solai yielded 36 fish, 24 Clarias gariepinus (catfish) and 12 Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia), with a catch rate of 9 fish per hour. The mean sizes were 46.88±5.6 cm for catfish and 24.16±6.6 cm for Nile tilapia, with condition factors of catfish (0.65±0.13) and Nile tilapia (1.7±0.31). Kenyatta Dam had a lower catch rate of 3 fish per hour, with 14 Nile tilapia averaging 23.53±5.50 cm and a condition factor of 1.93±0.22. Melelo Dam had a higher catch rate of 14 fish per hour, with catfish averaging 30.41±10.12 cm and Nile tilapia 23.21±6.2 cm, with a condition factor for tilapia above 1. No fish were caught in Kikuyian Dam. Fish yield estimates ranged from 548.3 t/yr in Solai to 4.8 t/yr in Kenyatta Dam. Communities perceived fisheries as an income-generating activity, highlighting the potential of SWBs to support fish production and rural livelihoods if investments in sustainable management, capacity building, and infrastructure are prioritized.