In 2023, a mud crab farm, Crabs Alive, successfully produced crablets making it the first hatchery in Kenya to do so.
Before hitting this milestone, the farm’s CEO, Justin Aniere had been keeping wild caught mud crabs for over a decade in a facility in Malindi.
It goes without mentioning, Aniere and his team had set up a hatchery, and tried to produce crablets for several years but to no avail.
However, with the help of a mud crab consultancy group, Scylla, Crabs Alive was able to produce it’s first batch of mud crablets in November.
The following month, the fish farm produced its second batch of the crablets.
“This exciting development is the first step in developing a new mud crab farming sector in Kenya for the benefit Val coastal communities,” Aniere said.
Aniere mentioned that he is optimistic that Kenya will soon join countries producing mud crab for both domestic and overseas markets.
“The professional support provided by Scylla has been crucial to our success,” he expressed gratitude.
Crabs Alive has also received backing from Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) which are supported by the United Nations and World Bank respectively.
The farm is also looking to expand its hatchery and nursery, making it possible for local farmers to produce mud crabs in large quantities.
It is also seeking to utilize nearby ex-government aquaculture facilities for pond production of mud crabs and producing commercial quantities.
Mud crabs
Mud crabs which belong to the species, Scylla serrata, inhabit the coastal and brackish waters of various tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
These medium-large crabs are known for their variegated colouration ranging from blue-green to brown, perfectly camouflaging themselves with their surroundings.
A distinctive trait of mud crabs is their ability to spend long periods out of the water, especially during low tides.
This habit is made possible by their highly adapted gill structure, which allows them to absorb oxygen from the air.
Their life is closely linked to mangroves and brackish marshes, where they find shelter among roots and debris.