Billions for Counting Fish? MPs Question Ksh.1.6 Billion Expenditure on Marine Assessment

In a recent session of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water, and Irrigation, Members of Parliament (MPs) were taken aback by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs’ Ksh.1.6 billion expenditure for the fiscal year 2023/24. The substantial amount was allocated for a comprehensive fish stock assessment in the Indian Ocean, aimed at evaluating the state of marine life and its breeding areas.

The expenditure drew intense scrutiny as MPs questioned whether such a hefty budget was justified for assessing fish stocks. Tiaty MP William Kamket’s incredulity was palpable as he posed a pointed question to the officials, “So you are telling this Committee you were allocated billions just to count fish in the ocean?”

The questioning led to a presentation by Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hassan Ali Joho and Principal Secretary (PS) Muthoni Njagi, who were summoned to provide clarity on the expenditure. They explained that stock assessment is a global practice undertaken by countries with interests in the blue economy. The process involves collecting and analyzing data to estimate fish abundance, productivity rates, and the overall health of marine ecosystems.

CS Joho defended the investment, emphasizing the necessity of the assessment for attracting investors. “Possessing an assessment report of marine life in the Indian Ocean is crucial when we are looking to invite investors to bring their vessels to Kenya,” Joho stated. He further elaborated that such reports provide a scientific basis for Kenya’s positions and strategies in marine affairs.

“It (the assessment) informs us on the licensing regime we use. We will not be able to go to investors and tell them to come to Kenya if we don’t have an assessment report. It goes beyond counting fish. It is about understanding the entire ecosystem so we can determine the best zoning practices in the ocean,” Joho added.

Despite the explanations, the MPs’ concerns were exacerbated when Joho’s team requested an additional Ksh.600 million to complete the first phase of the assessment. The request led to further inquiries into why more funds were needed if the initial Ksh.1.6 billion had already been spent.

PS Njagi clarified that the stock assessment is a multi-phase project. The additional funds are necessary to complete the remaining portion of the assessment scheduled for the past year. “This exercise is being carried out in phases, and the requested amount will help us complete the first phase. The entire project is planned over three financial years, with a total budget of Ksh.3.6 billion,” Njagi explained.

The planned expenditure is broken down into annual allocations of Ksh.1.2 billion per year, with the full assessment expected to be completed by the fiscal year 2025/26. This phased approach is intended to ensure thorough and continuous evaluation of the marine environment.

Despite these assurances, MPs remained skeptical about the value for money, especially given the modest annual revenue generated by Kenya’s fish industry, which barely reaches Ksh.50 million. They questioned whether such a significant investment would yield a proportional return, given the current scale of the industry.

In response to these concerns, CS Joho assured the Committee that the investment would eventually pay off. The assessment is seen as a critical step in enhancing Kenya’s appeal to international investors, ultimately fostering growth in the fish industry and the broader blue economy sector. Joho promised that once investors are on board, the industry would see substantial returns, justifying the initial expenditure.

The debate reflects a broader concern about government spending and the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. While the importance of marine assessments is recognized, the challenge remains in demonstrating clear and tangible benefits to stakeholders and the general public.

As Kenya continues to navigate the complexities of its blue economy, the scrutiny of such expenditures will likely persist. The government’s ability to effectively communicate the long-term benefits of its investments and deliver on promised returns will be crucial in maintaining public confidence and securing future funding for similar initiatives.