Maseno University Hosts AJUST Project Inception Event on Sustainable Fish Farming in Lake Victoria

Maseno University Hosts AJUST Project Inception Event on Sustainable Fish Farming in Lake Victoria

Basic article Nov 12, 2026
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Researchers, policymakers and partners gathered in Kisumu to launch a multi-institution initiative for AJUST and sustainable transformation of cage fish farming in Kenya’s Lake Victoria.

Maseno University hosted the inception event for the A Just and Sustainable Transformation of Fish Farming in Lake Victoria, Kenya (AJUST) project at the ACACIA Hotel, Kisumu. The event brought together researchers, policymakers, government agencies and other key stakeholders to formally launch the project and establish a common platform for collaboration.

AJUST is a multidisciplinary collaborative research initiative that unites six institutions:

  • Maseno University (MU)
  • University of Copenhagen (UCPH)
  • Aarhus University (AU)
  • Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)
  • University of Eldoret (UoE)
  • Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS)

The partnership combines expertise in fisheries and aquaculture, aquatic ecology, climate adaptation, resource economics, spatial planning and fisheries governance.

Prof. Rasmus Nielsen speaking at the podium beside the AJUST banner
Project Coordinator: Prof. Rasmus Nielsen, University of Copenhagen (UCPH).
Dr. Erick Ogello with project partners during the field visit
Principal Investigator: Dr. Erick Ogello, Chair, Department of Animal and Fisheries Sciences, Maseno University.
A presenter addressing participants at the inception event beside the AJUST banner
A presentation during the inception programme.
A presenter speaking with a microphone beside a screen and the AJUST banner
Project concepts were shared with participants, including how fish farmers respond to changing conditions and how benefits are distributed.

Promoting food security and a just Blue Economy transition

The project seeks to promote regional food and nutrition security, improved incomes and poverty alleviation, while supporting an economically and environmentally just Blue Economy transition. It will generate evidence to inform spatial planning for aquaculture in Lake Victoria, optimise production and income potential, and promote equitable distribution of rights and benefits across the aquaculture value chain.

AJUST at a glance

  • Development: promote sustainable aquaculture for food security, livelihoods and social equity
  • Policy: support equitable, climate-resilient spatial planning and aquaculture governance
  • Capacity building: strengthen research and policy capacity through postgraduate training
  • Training: four Kenyan PhD students and four master’s students