Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Hassan Joho now says that Lake Victoria has great potential to generate income and create wealth for communities around it.
Speaking on Tuesday, after a meeting with the leadership of the Lake Victoria Beach Management Units, Joho said that this potential is as a result of the potential fisheries and other aquaculture sector activities around the lake hold.
He said this potential can only be unlocked if there is adequate sustainable investment and management.
He said this, must be coupled with economic empowerment for the people and lives will be improved for the better.
“The fisheries and aquaculture sector of Lake Victoria holds significant potential to generate income and create wealth for local communities.
“Sustainable management and investment in these areas are essential for economic empowerment and improved livelihoods across the region,” Joho said on X.
During the meeting attended by Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi and other senior officials from the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, the CS said they discussed among other issues, the challenges that hinder utilization of fisheries resources.
Joho also emphasised designing and implementation projects that should benefit the communities in the long run.
“I met with the leadership of the Lake Victoria Beach Management Units to discuss ways of addressing challenges that hinder the sustainable utilisation of the fisheries resources, including the issue of water pollution.
“I also took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of involving local communities in the design and implementation of projects.”
This comes barely two months after Joho 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.
This followed a decision by the High Court to suspend the regulations that were to take effect on January 1, 2025.
A constitutional petition was filed by the Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association, which argued that the regulations introduced punitive licensing fees and an ad valorem levy on fish landed, measures deemed unconstitutional and detrimental to the growth of Kenya’s aquaculture industry.
The task force comprises representatives from the ministry, the Council of Governors, the Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association, and other key sector players.
