A REVIEW OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN KENYA

INTRODUCTION Kenya has numerous aquatic resources with high fisheries production potential, that includes marine and coastal production; and inland and riverine blue production:- Western Indian Ocean and Coastal production, Lakes Victoria, Naivasha, Turkana, Nakuru and the many riverine ecosystems in Kenya. This production does not underestimate the potential for aquaculture fisheries production

INTRODUCTION CONT’D With fish production currently estimated at 174,000 metric tons (MT) annually, the sector contributes about 5% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), had an average producer value of Kenya shillings 8 billion in 2012. Aquaculture production was estimated at more than 22,000MT (2012) after about 150,000 people taking up fish farming. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Development is mandated to facilitate the development and management of the fisheries sub-sector. The full potential of the sub-sector is yet to be realized due to low prioritization of the sector by the policy makers, perhaps due the poor knowledge of the sector’s potential.

Statement of the Problem With increased awareness of the importance of strategic management for sustainable development, Kenya’s fisheries production potential cannot be realized if the following issues are not factored in the government policy, strategy and management: Improved fisheries policy formulation and review (ESP). Fisheries licensing and regulation. Effective management and development of Coastal and marine fisheries (EEZ). Development and management of inland water fisheries including aquaculture production. Commercialization of all fishing activities and products. Increased frame surveys, supportive research on fisheries production taking into account environmental impacts.

Study objective To establish gaps in monitoring of fisheries production estimates in Kenya to enhance capacity in fisheries management.

Data acquisition Data were obtained from libraries, Government records and interviews with various agencies and managers. In addition visits were made to areas of concern, including interaction with relevant professionals.

Production Units Currently assuming Kenya is still retaining the 640 km coastline of the Western Indian Ocean, the observed overall contribution of the coastal and marine sector to the national fisheries production is very wanting, accounting to only 3% to 5% annually .

Inland Fisheries Lake Victoria- 4,080km2 129,553MT Lake Area Prod estimates Lake Victoria- 4,080km2 129,553MT Lake Turkana- 7,400km2 24,000MT Lake Baringo- 130 km2 243MT Lake Naivasha- 139 km2 130MT

Fisheries governance in Kenya Fisheries governance in Kenya has been focused more on the inland sector and weakly on the marine sector and is still weak although the essential structures of good governance structures are in place. Governance of Kenya’s fisheries in the offshore sector is almost zero and limited to licensing fees with no culture of managing these licenses. This has consequently led to poor performance of Kenya due primarily to weak governance in the offshore sector. Within territorial waters a key governance structure has been the implementation of Beach Management Units - essentially a co-management approach.

Fisheries governance in Kenya Gaps in the governance of Kenya marine fisheries Multiplicity, overlapping and uncoordinated jurisdictions. Inadequate financial and technical resources (capacity). Participation of Kenya in fisheries at an International level is weak. Conflict in law enforcement and the duplication of tasks in fisheries management arise. Marine protected areas can have an important transboundary.

Economic significance of fisheries in Kenya The agricultural sector directly accounts for about 26% of Kenya’s GDP and 27% indirectly through linkages with manufacturing, distribution and other service related sectors. The sector accounts for 65% of Kenya’s total exports, 18% and 60% of the formal and total employment, respectively.

Fisheries governance in Kenya Fisheries governance in Kenya as has been observed is relying on data which give more focus on inland fisheries than Coastal and Marine fisheries despite the fact that Coastal and Marine give more production. The Government gives a blind eye on the global Kenyan production because of poor and strategic management and; lack of engagement of qualified personnel.

Production Estimates Coastal and marine fisheries production estimates are insignificant relative to the reported data on inland fisheries; What is the problem?

Our view The fisheries governance initiatives are felt inadequate, the public of Kenya must demand where the exchequer’s resources go to. This presentation calls for synergized efforts to optimize the benefits to Kenya's capacity to build the fisheries sector.

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