A Kenyan non-profit dedicated to the welfare of fish
We exist to close the gap between how much Africa depends on fish and how little attention their welfare receives.
A Public Benefit Organization for the welfare of fish
Fish Welfare Africa (FWA) is a Public Benefit Organization dedicated to improving the lives of fish by driving conversations about fish sentience and welfare, collaborating on fish welfare research, and advocating for improved fish welfare standards in Kenya.
As aquaculture continues to grow throughout Africa, billions of fish are farmed and harvested every year. Despite their contribution to food security, nutrition, and livelihoods, fish welfare remains largely overlooked. Fish Welfare Africa was established to address this gap by promoting science-based solutions that improve fish welfare while supporting sustainable aquatic food systems.
Our work is grounded in building partnerships, generating evidence, and conducting evidence-driven advocacy.
Why this matters now
Africa will need more aquatic food.
More production is coming. The question is what kind.
0%
of animal protein across Africa already comes from aquatic foods — on the world's lowest per-capita supply.
~0%
more supply needed by 2050 just to hold today's per-capita consumption as population grows.
~0%
more to reach today's global average level of consumption.
Vision, Mission, and Goal
Our Vision
A future where every fish in Kenya is treated as a sentient being deserving of a good life.
Our Mission
To improve the welfare of fish in Kenya by building a fish welfare movement, generating evidence, and advocating for fish welfare improvements.
Our Goal
To become a leading organization in advancing fish welfare in Africa.
Improvements that work for fish and farmers
We start by listening. Welfare improvements only spread when they work for farmers — so we prioritise changes, like better water quality management and gentler handling, that benefit fish and farm incomes together.
What guides how we work
Evidence First
We ground every recommendation in research, not assumption.
Farmer-Centred
Welfare improvements must work for the people delivering them.
Honest About Progress
We report where we are — not where we wish we were.
Collaborative by Design
Lasting change requires governments, researchers, and industry working together.
A strategic launchpad for continental impact
Kenya is among the leading African nations in industrial inland fishing. It also has the highest number of fish cages in the Lake Victoria ecosystem (n > 6000). The government of Kenya is committed to increasing intensive fish farming to extend beyond the lake region. With the majority of stakeholders in this food system focusing on productivity and environmental sustainability, the interests of fish need to be addressed.
Fish Welfare Africa is headquartered in Kenya and collaborates with partners across the country. We work through engagement, research, and advocacy to bring the interests of fish into a food system that is growing quickly.
Want to know more about how we work?
Explore our strategic pillars and current programmes, or get in touch with our team directly.