Kenya moves to validate draft aquaculture policy and surveillance regulations

KENYA – Kenya has taken a significant step toward strengthening its fisheries and aquaculture sector today, as stakeholders convened at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete, for the National Validation Workshop of the Draft National Aquaculture Policy 2025 and the Fisheries Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) Regulations 2025.

The one-day event, organised by the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries (SDBEF) under the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, brought together representatives from national and county governments, fish farmers, traders, academia, and development partners. 

The workshop marks the final stage before the two critical policy documents are formally adopted.

Why the Policy and Regulations Matter

The National Aquaculture Policy 2025 aims to provide a comprehensive framework for guiding the development of a commercially sustainable aquaculture sub-sector that can significantly contribute to food and nutrition security, employment, and economic growth. 

It replaces the 2011 policy and incorporates lessons from its implementation, while aligning with Kenya’s Constitution (2010), Vision 2030, and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Among its priorities are scaling up aquaculture production, improving value addition and marketing systems, expanding access to financing, fostering research and innovation, addressing climate change, and ensuring inclusivity of youth, women, and vulnerable groups.

Parallel to this, the MCS Regulations 2025 are designed to enhance fisheries conservation and curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

The regulations establish a Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Unit, supported by inter-agency collaboration, to enforce compliance through patrols, electronic vessel monitoring systems, inspections, and prosecution of offenders.

Together, the policy and regulations are expected to safeguard Kenya’s aquatic resources while unlocking the potential of aquaculture as a driver of economic transformation.

Stakeholder validation and next steps

According to the SDBEF, the draft documents have already undergone extensive stakeholder and public consultations. These included engagements with county governments, grassroots stakeholders, intergovernmental working groups, and sector associations. 

The Nairobi workshop serves as the final validation platform before the policy and regulations are forwarded for Cabinet approval.

This workshop highlights the importance of stakeholder buy-in for sustainable aquaculture governance, as the policy provides direction for investments in aquaculture while also laying the groundwork for stronger market systems and value chains. 

Meanwhile, the MCS framework will ensure accountability and compliance, critical for protecting fisheries resources from overexploitation.

A growing sector with untapped potential

Kenya’s aquaculture production has steadily increased in recent years, reaching 31,767 metric tonnes in 2023, valued at KSh 10 billion (approximately US$77 million), driven largely by cage culture in Lake Victoria. 

Yet, the country remains far from meeting its full production potential, estimated at 14 million tonnes annually. 

High feed costs, limited extension services, inadequate cold storage, and weak market linkages continue to constrain growth.

With demand for fish protein projected to rise across Africa and the Middle East, stakeholders say the updated policy framework provides a timely opportunity to address these gaps. 

It will also position Kenya to attract investment, create jobs, and secure its role in the regional blue economy.

Today’s validation workshop signals Kenya’s resolve to anchor aquaculture development on a sound legal and policy foundation. 

Once approved, the National Aquaculture Policy 2025 and MCS Regulations 2025 are expected to chart a clear path toward a sustainable, competitive, and well-regulated aquaculture and fisheries sector that supports livelihoods while conserving aquatic ecosystems.

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