Fish-tanning venture turns trash into cash

Michael Otieno

Fish-tanning venture turns trash into cash

Michael Otieno has always had a creative spirit.

When a lack of funds to pay tuition prevented him from pursuing higher education, he fashioned equipment like irrigation kits and fishing nets to support his family and earn a living.

His drive to discover new things led him to establish a fish-tanning business, which transforms fish skin into leather and leather products.

After noticing the booming fish-filleting industry in Kisumu, Michael launched his business in 2013 in western Kenya’s Kajulu village. “Businesses would leave piles of discarded fish skin that would produce a terrible smell and were also a health hazard. I started exploring ways to use the trash and turn it into cash.”

He now works with six women’s groups that supply him with fish skins from the filleting factories. Ten young people are employed in his business. Their final products include shoes, wallets, belts, jackets and sandals.

Michael learned about adding value to the leather through the Cultivate Africa’s Future (CultiAF) training program run by the Global Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship Center at the United States International University-Africa.

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“The entrepreneurship classes gave me a new perspective on improving my business. I learned about value addition, keeping financial records, marketing skills and diversification.

I was also matched with a mentor, who has been instrumental in helping me target international clients,” he enthuses. “We are lucky to have secured markets in Canada, Nigeria, Norway, Poland and South Africa,” he adds.

Initially he earned CAD$340 a month, but after growing his business he can now earn up to CAD$800 in a good month.

In 2020, Michael’s business — like so many others — took a hit due to COVID-19. His client base dropped and there were fewer sources of raw materials as other businesses closed up shop. To counter these challenges, he diversified to silk farming and rearing rabbits to sell meat. These ventures, he says, have bolstered his income while keeping his fish-tanning business afloat during the worst of the pandemic.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, he says he is now experiencing a surge in demand for fish leather products in local markets and an increase in inquiries from international markets.

His ultimate plan is to automate the tanning process to increase capacity. He also hopes to open shops in key towns across the country and win more customers.

PHOTOS: WREN MEDIA

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