Kisumu: The Fisheries Bill 2023 has encountered significant opposition as stakeholders in the fisheries, aquaculture, and blue economy sectors have described it as outdated and inadequate for addressing the industry’s evolving needs. During a public participation forum organized by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Blue Economy in Kisumu, aquaculture investors, led by the Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association (LVA), demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bill. They criticized it as being a mere replication of the Fisheries Management and Development Act, 2016.

According to Kenya News Agency, Pete Ondeng, LVA Board Secretary, stated during the meeting that the draft law fails to consider key developments in the sector over the past seven years, potentially hindering the growth of aquaculture, which is seen as the future of fish production in Kenya. Ondeng highlighted that the bill does not adequately recognize aquaculture’s potential and questioned why Parliament was advancing the draft without the involvement of the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, which is constitutionally mandated to develop policy and guide legislation for the sector.

Ondeng argued that treating aquaculture as an afterthought in a general fisheries bill undermines its commercial potential. He called for the withdrawal of the bill and the initiation of a transparent, inclusive process involving the ministry and stakeholders to create a framework that reflects the sector’s evolution.

Kakamega County Director of Fisheries, Jonathan Masaba, supported these concerns, noting the bill’s failure to capture the significant growth in aquaculture and the exclusion of inland counties like Kakamega in public forums. He proposed separate laws for aquaculture, on-farm fish production, and inland water bodies to enhance national fish production.

Representatives from Beach Management Units (BMUs) on Lake Victoria also sought inclusion in the bill, emphasizing their essential role in conservation and regulation. Victor Okul, a BMU member from Ogal Beach, advocated for stipends for BMU leaders due to their critical regulatory roles.

Marwa Kitayama, Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation, assured stakeholders that their input would be considered. Kitayama, also the Kuria East MP, announced plans for additional forums in various regions before finalizing the draft. He emphasized the bill’s aim to address illegal fishing practices and gear misuse, which threaten food security.

Kenya currently consumes an estimated 600,000 metric tonnes of fish annually but produces less than half of that amount, relying heavily on imports to meet demand. With dwindling natural fish stocks in Lake Victoria, aquaculture is central to Kenya’s food security and blue economy strategy.