Kenya opens public consultation on fish welfare standards for aquaculture sector

KENYA – Kenya has launched a public participation process on new fish welfare standards, as the government moves to strengthen regulation and align its aquaculture industry with international best practices.

The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs said it is seeking stakeholder input on a draft National Manual Standard Operating Procedure (MSOP) for Fish Welfare in Aquaculture. 

The State Department is leading the Blue Economy and Fisheries process as part of broader efforts to modernise oversight of the fast-growing sector.

The proposed manual is anchored in Regulation 8 of the Fisheries Management and Development (Aquaculture) Regulations, 2024, and aims to introduce practical, enforceable guidelines for fish health and welfare across production systems.

Authorities say the framework is designed to strengthen regulatory enforcement, improve farm-level practices and support long-term sustainability in aquaculture, which is increasingly contributing to food security and rural incomes.

Push for standards as aquaculture expands

Kenya’s aquaculture sector has grown steadily over the past decade, driven by rising fish consumption and government-backed production programmes. 

However, the expansion has also highlighted gaps in standardised welfare practices, particularly around handling, feeding, water quality and disease management.

The new MSOP seeks to address these gaps by providing measurable indicators for monitoring fish health and welfare, while also supporting farmers with clearer operational guidelines.

The initiative is being developed in collaboration with key national institutions, including the Kenya Fisheries Service and the Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute, ensuring that scientific research informs policy design.

International support has also been provided through the One Health and Development Initiative under the Africa Fish and Aquaculture Welfare programme, backed by Coefficient Giving.

The government has opened the consultation window from April 28 to May 18, 2026, encouraging farmers, feed manufacturers, processors, researchers and other stakeholders to review the draft and submit feedback.

A national validation workshop is scheduled for May 6, 2026, at the Acacia Premier Hotel, providing a platform for direct engagement between policymakers and industry players.

Final submissions are due by 5:00 PM on May 18.

By incorporating stakeholder feedback, Kenya aims to develop a welfare framework that is both practical for producers and aligned with global standards, supporting the sector’s competitiveness while ensuring responsible, sustainable aquaculture growth.

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