World Fisheries Day serves as a poignant reminder of the vast potential of the global fisheries sector and the blue economy, particularly for countries like Kenya, whose aquatic resources remain largely untapped. The blue economy, encompassing the sustainable use of ocean, seas, and inland water bodies for economic growth, livelihoods, and job creation, is one of the most promising avenues for Kenya’s socio-economic development.
Kenya’s fisheries sector plays a critical role in the country’s blue economy transformation. It is a significant contributor to food and nutrition security, providing vital sources of protein for millions. Beyond food security, fisheries help reduce poverty by generating revenue, creating wealth, and providing employment, particularly in coastal and inland communities. Additionally, it promotes the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), offering economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The sector also preserves cultural diets and supports the sustainable economic development of fishing communities across the country.
Aquaculture has been growing rapidly to meet the increasing global demand for fish, with Kenya’s inland water bodies like Lake Victoria, along with its coastal zones in the Indian Ocean, positioning the country to capitalize on this growth. However, this growth necessitates stronger governance frameworks. Ensuring that resource management is collaborative and consultative is essential for the sustainability of Kenya’s fisheries. This is especially true given that some of the country’s fishery water resources, like Lake Victoria, are shared with neighboring countries and are subject to multiple user interests. Therefore, proper planning is crucial to prevent conflicts and degradation of ecosystems.
Kenya has made strides in adding value to its fisheries products. The country has embraced modern processing techniques to reduce post-harvest losses and create value-added fish products. By focusing on sustainable practices and innovation, Kenya’s fisheries sector is well-positioned to tap into the growing global market, contributing to both food security and economic development.
In 2023, Kenya’s total fish production amounted to 161,308 metric tonnes, valued at Ksh. 35.9 billion. Most of this production came from inland capture fisheries, which accounted for 121,357 metric tonnes worth Ksh. 26 billion. Fish production from marine and aquaculture sectors stood at 39,950 and 31,767 metric tonnes, respectively, generating Ksh. 9.9 billion and Ksh. 10 billion. Inland capture fisheries, particularly from Lake Victoria, contributed a substantial 67% of the total production, although the catches from the lake decreased by 8% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Kenya’s marine artisanal production also witnessed growth, increasing from 25,380 metric tonnes valued at Ksh. 5.4 billion in 2021 to 35,596 metric tonnes worth Ksh. 8.7 billion in 2022. However, challenges remain, particularly with shallow water trawling, where catches decreased significantly. The marine fisheries potential remains high, with estimates ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 metric tonnes, suggesting untapped opportunities.
Aquaculture, though still facing challenges such as stagnation in land-based fish farming, continues to grow in importance. The expansion of cage culture enterprises in Lake Victoria’s riparian counties, including Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori, is driving this sector forward.
To ensure the sustainable development of the fisheries sector, Kenya has established several collaborative governance frameworks. One such initiative is the Beach Management Units (BMUs), which facilitate community-based decision-making and support fisheries management, conservation, and habitat protection. Furthermore, the Fisheries Management and Development Act has seen the creation of an Inter-Agency Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) Unit to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
International partnerships are also key to enhancing Kenya’s fisheries governance. The Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) collaborates with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to strengthen monitoring, control, and surveillance efforts. Additionally, the World Bank’s PROBLUE initiative, which has raised approximately $100 million from international donors, is supporting Kenya’s fisheries sector and its transition to a blue economy.
With continued investments in sustainable fisheries and blue economy projects, Kenya is poised to achieve significant economic growth and improve livelihoods, ensuring that its blue resources remain a source of prosperity for future generations. The country’s strategic location, access to the Indian Ocean, and its vital inland water bodies offer immense opportunities for the further development of Kenya’s untapped blue economy.
