CS Joho appoints task force to review fisheries regulations after court suspension

KENYA – Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho has formed a 12-member task force to review the contentious Fisheries Management and Development (Aquaculture) Regulations, 2024. 

This move comes just weeks after the High Court issued a conservatory order suspending the regulations until February 10, 2025, following a petition by the Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association (LVA).  

The task force comprises representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry, the Council of Governors (CoG), the Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association, and other critical industry players. 

Its mandate is to collect views, address stakeholders’ concerns, and recommend practical solutions to resolve the issues that led to the suspension of the regulations.  

Leading the team is Wala Joseph, the Ministry’s Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, alongside senior government officials, legal advisors, and industry representatives. 

Among them are LVA board Secretary Pete Ondeng, Aquaculture Alliance of Kenya CEO Stanley Mworia, CEO of Rio Farm Limited CEO Angela Odero, and Victory Farms Chief Development Officer Caesar Asiyo. 

The task force is expected to deliberate on contentious aspects of the regulations, including the proposed KSh 50,000 licensing fee for aquaculture establishments operating in public waters and a 5% ad valorem fee on fish landed.  

The regulations, gazetted in December 2024, faced intense backlash from aquaculture stakeholders. 

Critics argued that the fees would escalate production costs, making locally produced fish unaffordable and undermining Kenya’s food security objectives. 

The LVA, representing over 100,000 direct industry employees, filed a constitutional petition challenging the fees, citing potential job losses, economic strain, and inadequate public participation in formulating the regulations.  

Speaking on the task force, LVA board Chairman Ochieng’ Mbeo commended Joho’s decision, noting its potential to address the stakeholders’ grievances. 

“This initiative is a step in the right direction. Collaboration and accountability are essential for building a robust blue economy,” he said.  

The task force’s establishment underscores the government’s intent to resolve the regulatory standoff amicably and sustainably. 

Industry leaders have also called for broader recognition of aquaculture’s role in national economic empowerment, particularly for small-scale operators, women, and youth.  

As stakeholders await the High Court’s ruling on February 10, 2025, the task force’s recommendations are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s aquaculture policy.