CS Mvurya calls for introduction of insurance in fisheries sector

Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has said there is a need for insurance for the fisheries sector to mitigate losses.

Mvurya said it is necessary to have plans in place to mitigate the effects of climate change and other natural disasters that affect small-scale fishers and fish farmers.

Speaking during World Fisheries Day at Shimoni, the CS said anticipating the impacts of climate change is an essential component of the blue economy. This year's theme was "Investing in social protection to secure equitable blue transformation in the fisheries sector."

"There is a need for targeted financial and insurance instruments to maximise the economic, social and environmental returns from the ocean and its resources," he said.

He said such mechanisms will ensure timely response in case of emergencies.

Also present at the event were Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani and Fisheries Principal Secretary F O Owino among others.

Mvurya noted that marine fisheries' contribution to Kenya's blue economy has not been realised.

"Harnessing the economic potential of Kenya's aquatic resources is among the key interventions towards combating rural poverty, enhancing food security and strengthening the national economy," Mvurya added.

He said that key developmental avenues for in the fisheries sector include value addition of fishery products, improvement of production and supply chain and development of innovative fishing technologies.

Governor Achani said the Kenya Coast Guard Service was harassing local fishermen and this should stop.

She asked the CS to address the matter

"I speak as a child of a fisherman. We want the initiatives to benefit the locals," she added.

The CS said the government had introduced multi-agency patrols to control illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

"My ministry is also strengthening fisher communities through Beach Management Units (BMUs) .