Our Story

our story

Bolena, a beacon of sustainability, women, and community empowerment, is situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Victoria in Siaya County, Kenya. We take pride in being a 100% women-owned enterprise, with a workforce of over 50% women. It was founded over a decade ago, and we have evolved from a fish producer into a holistic aquaculture enterprise, proudly introducing a hatchery and fish feed mill to our operations. The founders have recognized the pressing issue of overfishing in Lake Victoria, which has led to a scarcity of fish, particularly tilapia. Bolena has embarked on its journey, driven by a vision to transform the aquaculture landscape in East Africa.

Our Mission

At Bolena, our mission is two-fold: to address food security, protein, and calorie deficiency, and concurrently, to empower women within the community. Over the past 10 years, our journey in the aquacultural sector has been marked by innovation and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Our Vision

Bolena envisions not only meeting the demand for freshwater fish but also creating a model of excellence in aquaculture. Our focus on empowering women aligns with our broader vision of fostering positive change in the communities we serve.

Our Values

  1. Sustainability: We are dedicated to environmentally sustainable practices that preserve the integrity of Lake Victoria and ensure long-term viability.

  2. Community Empowerment: We are committed to creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and making a positive impact on the communities in which we operate.

  3. Quality: We strive for excellence in every aspect of our operations, from fish production to customer service, ensuring high-quality products and services.

  4. Innovation: We embrace innovation and research to continually improve our aquaculture practices and remain at the forefront of the industry.

  5. Integrity: We conduct our business with honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct, building trust with our partners, customers, and employees.

Find out more about Bolena Tilapia