Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho has formed a 12-member task force to review the Fisheries Management and Development (Aquaculture) Regulations 2024.
The task force comprises representatives from the Ministry, the Council of Governors, the Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association, and other key sector players.
Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Wala Joseph will lead the government representatives in the team which also includes Assistant Directors of Fisheries Roy Aseka and John Kwanya and Legal Counsel Leonard Bett.
Industry Representatives in the task force include LVA board Secretary Pete Ondeng, Aquaculture Alliance of Kenya (AAK) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Mworia, Victory Farms Chief Development Officer Caesar Asiyo, Africa Blue CEO Albert Altena, African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET) Vice President Suzanne Kuria, Rio Farm Limited CEO Angela Odero, Legal and Governance Advisor Victor Odhiambo and LVA board member Atieno Otieno.
The team will collect views, deliberate on stakeholders’ concerns and derive practical recommendations to resolve the issues that led to the suspension of the regulations.
LVA board chairman Ochieng' Mbeo lauded the CS for establishing the task force saying it will go a long way in ironing out all the contentious issues raised by stakeholders.
The regulations which seek to introduce Sh50,000 licensing fee on all aquaculture investments in public waters and a 5 per cent ad valorem fee on fish landed, he said were developed and gazetted without the input of stakeholders.
Collaboration and accountability, he said were critical in the development of a robust blue economy sector in the country.
"LVA remains dedicated to working with the government and stakeholders to develop policies that support sustainable aquaculture growth and economic empowerment,” he said
