National Oceans and Fisheries Policy

Acknowledging the need for the fisheries sector in Kenya to operate within a specific policy framework, the Government took a key decision to develop a comprehensive policy for the sector in 2008. It is a sectorial policy which aims to ensure increased and sustainable fish production and utilization by properly managing the ocean and other Kenya Fishery waters.
The overall objective of this Policy is:"to enhance the fisheries sector's contribution to wealth creation, increased employment for youth and women, food security, and revenue generation through effective private, public and community partnerships".
Specifically, the policy aims: (i) to promote conservation and management of fisheries resources, (ii) to generate the maximum amount of employment, (iii) to maximize revenue from fisheries and other related activities, (iv) to promote an integrated economy, (v) to enhance food supply and food security, (vi) to promote safety at sea, (vii) to develop Aquaculture, recreational and ornamental fisheries, and (viii) development of the ocean fisheries.
In order to eliminate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, the policy plans to take every effort to achieve self-sufficiency in fish and that the domestic market is at all times adequately supplied. The government will further emphasize the nutritional importance of fish consumption while adhering to local and international food safety standards.
In order to make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable, the government of Kenya plans to continue to prioritize fisheries resources conservation and management. In doing so, the government will utilize appropriate management tools to ensure long-term sustainability. The precautionary approach to management will be adopted where there is inadequate scientific evidence.
Regarding the reduction of rural poverty, the policy envisages the development of the fisheries sector with a view to generating employment opportunity for the maximum number of Kenyans either directly or indirectly. The policy will also ensure that fishers and those involved in supporting fishing activities enjoy improved livelihood. Furthermore, through the policy, the government will ensure that the maximum amount of foreign exchange is earned from the export of fish and fish products while putting emphasis on improving both qualities, health and safety standards. The Government will create conditions that will increase the contribution of the fisheries sector to the national wealth by increasing production and value addition to fisheries products.
To enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems, the policy plans to encourage investment in small medium and large scale commercial aquaculture for domestic and export markets. In doing so, the government will encourage the provision and availability of affordable microfinance. Finally, the policy will promote private sector investment in the development of recreational and ornamental fisheries through the provision of incentives and infrastructure.
To increase the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises, the policy addresses issues such as the effect of climate change, the impact of deforestation land degradation, introduction of alien species and loss of critical habitats negatively affect fish production. Pollution from agricultural, domestic and industrial activities affects fish production and quality.
Regarding the governance, Kenya has taken bold steps through the creation of a fully-fledged ministry to enhance the profile of oceans and fisheries sector. For a start the Government has reorganized the department of fisheries to create a technical coordination arm in the Ministry, by creating Kenya Oceans and Fisheries Services. The government will put in place and monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure efficient and effective implementation of this policy, in particular, a major evaluation will be conducted in five years to review planned policy priorities.