Government to spend Sh500 million on fisheries

By Peter Atsiaya

Fisheries Minister Paul Otuoma says the Government will spend Sh500 million on fisheries research this year.

Dr Otuoma said the funds were channelled through Kenya Marines and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) as a lead agency for the sector’s research needs.

"The Ministry is committed to promoting research programmes to address technology and techniques for sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources," said Otuoma.

He said the Government was implementing the Fisheries and Oceans Policy in undertaking research. The Funyula MP spoke yesterday at the Kisumu Port when he unveiled Sh75 million state-of-art research vessel— RV Uvumbuzi — acquired by KMFRI to promote research programmes in Lake Victoria yesterday.

Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch, Fisheries PS Prof Michemi Ntiba, assistant director of Fisheries in charge of KMFRI Western Kenya station Dr Richard Abila and his deputy Dr John Gichuki accompanied the minister.

Otuoma said despite constraints, the fisheries sector continues to play an important role in the country’s economy. The earnings from fisheries are estimated at Sh32 billion at beach level, said the minister. He added: "The country earns more than Sh4 billion annually."