Kenya could earn more than Sh10 billion yearly from fish

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By Patrick Beja

Kenya’s first ever national fisheries policy could see Kenya get more than Sh10 billion from marine fish annually by the year 2014.

According to the Government, marine fish landings (currently at 7,000 tonnes a year) would rise to more than 200,000 tonnes valued at over Sh10 billion annually if the National Oceans and Fisheries Policy is implemented.

While launching the policy in Mombasa on Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the policy, which has been lacking since independence, would create wealth and employment opportunities.

"We should begin to look at fisheries resources as a vehicle to wealth creation and jobs," said Raila.

lamu fish port

Implementation of the policy would need Sh4.5 billion each year starting the 2009/2010 financial year for the next three years, he said.

This would be used to finance infrastructure upgrade and restructuring to operationise four bodies on fisheries management.

The directories would focus on quality assurance and marketing.

Raila announced the Government would invest in a fish port with adequate infrastructure to handle up to 500 fishing vessels per day.

"In this regard, the Government has embarked on plans to construct a fish port at Lamu.

"Once complete, the port will enhance the exploitation of Kenya’s exclusive economic zone," said Odinga.

Fisheries Development Minister Dr Paul Otuoma said he would fast-track the National Oceans and Fisheries Bill to operationalise the policy approved last December.

Harassment

Dr Otuoma said the policy would make the fisheries vibrant, promote conservation, generate employment opportunities and maximise revenues from fisheries.

However, he said, the country should invest in equipment to protect fisheries resources and fishermen in the Indian Ocean, Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana who face constant harassment.

"Kenyan fishermen require urgent protection from external aggression," Otuoma said.