At 65, Mzee Bonaya Boru found himself at a turning point by the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Known in his village as a lifelong herder, he was never one to “retire” in the conventional sense. After all, in the pastoralist way, one never truly leaves their flock but rather hands the reins to the next generation. With his children now coming of age and taking over the day-to-day work with the livestock, Mzee Bonaya began to wonder what his own new role might be.

Enter Mr. Ramadhan, a dedicated Caritas staff member working closely with the community, who presented Bonaya with an idea as unusual as it was intriguing: fish farming. For Bonaya, a Cushite, the idea of venturing into aquaculture felt like stepping onto another planet! But recognizing he had time on his hands and a river at his doorstep, he thought, Why not?

With Nawiri’s support and guidance from Mr. Ramadhan, Bonaya received training in fish farming, attended seminars, and was given a smoking kiln and a solar pump to manage water for his new ponds. These provisions aligned with the Nawiri program’s commitment to addressing malnutrition in children under five by improving access to nutrient-rich foods within the community. Soon, Bonaya started with a modest fishpond, stocked with around 50 catfish, and learned the essentials of breeding, feeding, and maintaining water quality.

Three months later, the results were clear. His fishpond was teeming with life! As word spread, curiosity grew into a community-wide appetite, and demand for his fish skyrocketed. Embracing this unexpected success, Bonaya opened a small butchery and hotel to serve his fresh fish. “I never thought my life would take this turn,” he laughed, eyes twinkling. “Turns out my catfish are quite popular!”

In just a year, Bonaya’s confidence and expertise had flourished. He expanded his operation, constructing three larger ponds with the capacity to hold up to 1,000 catfish each, alongside an additional pond dedicated to tilapia. He quickly discovered another benefit: the nutrient-rich pond water was perfect for his crops.

“This water is life!” he exclaimed, proudly gesturing to his lush one-acre farm plot. “Every week, I pump water from the fishponds to irrigate my crops. Just look at these passion vines—they’re the pride of the village!”

With these newfound resources, Bonaya’s farm became a beacon for the village. The fresh fish and vibrant vegetables he produced were especially beneficial for young children and lactating or pregnant mothers, providing them with essential nutrients previously hard to access in this region. His efforts directly supported Nawiri’s mission to combat malnutrition and offer healthier food options for the most vulnerable community members.

Filled with gratitude, Bonaya shared his appreciation for the Nawiri programme and Mr. Ramadhan’s encouragement. “Thanks to the livelihood team, I now employ three young men from my village to help on the farm, and four others in the hotel and butchery,” he said. “It feels good to give back, creating opportunities for my own community.”

Looking ahead, Bonaya has big dreams. “I want to expand my business to the main town,” he said with a grin. “There’s more than enough fish—neighboring villages can’t consume it all! I want to share this success with even more people.”

Bonaya’s journey from pastoralism to aquaculture isn’t just about one man’s resilience; it’s a reminder of the power of adaptation. From herding to harvesting fish, Bonaya has shown that embracing change can lead to new beginnings—even for a seasoned pastoralist whose flock, now tended by his children, roams free across the plains. His story stands as a testament to how innovation and community support, driven by a mission to improve health, can bring new hope and opportunity to all.