Give us a Sh1bn more to complete counting fish – PS

Ministry had initially allocated Sh3.6 billion over three years for the fish stock assessment in the Indian Ocean.

by JACKTONE LAWI

Business27 February 2025 - 10:35

In Summary

The undertaking that commenced on July 1, 2023, was set to be completed in the 2025/2026 financial year and the implementation was to be in three phases.
Each phase was expected to gobble up Sh1.2 billion, however as of December 2024, the exercise had consumed Sh2 billion.

Blue Economy and Fisheries PS Betsy Muthoni

The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs is seeking an additional Sh1 billion from the National Treasury to complete a survey on the fish population in the country’s waters.

The ministry had initially allocated Sh3.6 billion over three years for the fish stock assessment in the Indian Ocean.

The undertaking that commenced on July 1, 2023, was set to be completed in the 2025/2026 financial year and the implementation was to be in three phases.

Each phase was expected to gobble up Sh1.2 billion, however as of December 2024, the exercise had consumed Sh2 billion.

Documents seen by The Star show that the ministry is seeking another Sh1 billion for the completion of Phase One of Liwatoni Ultra-Modern Fish Hub.

Principal Secretary Betsy Muthoni while appearing before the Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee chaired by Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen, said that the department’s treasury allocation on development is too low to complete its pipeline projects.

“Honorable chairman, the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) allocated the State Department a total budget of Sh9.632 billion comprising a Development budget of Sh6.799 billion and a Recurrent budget of Sh. 2,832.9 Million for the FY 2025/26,” said PS Muthoni.

According to the PS, the funds will be used to finalize fish landing sites and markets, support smallscale fish farmers with aquaculture inputs and technical services, and establish the National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre (NAMARET) in Shimoni, Kwale County.

Additionally, the ministry aims to support common interest groups across the coastal region through grants.

She pointed to critical funding shortfalls, including a Sh123 million deficit in the recurrent budget, with Sh100 million needed for the expanded mandate of the Blue Economy.

This mandate includes research and innovation, increasing local participation and investments, and coordinating national ocean policies.

An additional Sh23 million is required to settle a court award to Okeno and Sons Building Contractors, which has only been partially funded in previous financial years.