Kenya’s blue economy is recording stronger growth following increased government investment in fisheries, aquaculture, infrastructure, training and community enterprises, with fish production rising by 8.1 per cent in recent years.
Fish production increased from 173,741 tonnes in 2022 to 189,151 tonnes as of August this year, reflecting increased activity and investment across the fisheries sector.
A major component of the government’s intervention has been the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development Project (KEMFSED), through which 1,263 groups comprising 212,033 individuals have received grants totalling Ksh3.3 billion.
The grants have targeted women, youth and vulnerable groups, providing them with access to training, equipment, business opportunities and financing for fisheries-related enterprises.
The government has also trained 875 young people in deep-sea fishing and distributed 271 fishing boats, while coastal fishing communities have received about 270 boats and 109 fish cages.
Along the Coast, fisheries interventions are benefiting more than 83,000 people organised in 1,265 groups. Communities are also being supported to venture into marine value chains, including aquaculture, mud crab fattening, shrimp farming and marine tilapia production.
Infrastructure investment
Infrastructure development has emerged as another key pillar of the Government’s strategy to expand the blue economy.
The government is developing nine modern fish landing sites at a cost of Ksh1.5 billion in Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Busia counties, while other landing facilities across the country are undergoing upgrades.
The Ksh2.7 billion Shimoni Fish Port has also been completed, incorporating a Ksh1.4 billion national mariculture centre of excellence.
The investments are expected to improve fish handling and processing while creating better opportunities for fishing communities to participate in higher-value activities along the fisheries supply chain.
The government is also strengthening 450 Beach Management Units (BMUs), with women accounting for about 60 per cent of their membership.
Efforts are underway to formalise and register marketing cooperatives as part of measures to improve access to markets, strengthen resource management and increase the bargaining power of fishing communities.
Tackling illegal fishing
Security and regulation within the sector have also been strengthened through the deployment of patrol boats, improved safety measures and increased enforcement by the Kenya Coast Guard Service.
The measures are targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which threatens marine resources and undermines the livelihoods of legitimate fishing communities.
The government says stronger enforcement will help protect fisherfolk, conserve marine resources and reduce losses associated with illegal fishing activities.
The interventions are part of a wider effort to transform Kenya’s blue economy from a sector that has historically been poorly regulated, underutilised and underfunded into a major source of livelihoods and economic opportunities.
Through investments in fishing, aquaculture, value addition, enterprise development and coastal infrastructure, the Government is seeking to unlock the sector’s potential while creating new opportunities for communities that depend on marine and fisheries resources.
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