Joho Establishes 12-Member Taskforce to Revise Aquaculture Regulations

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In response to mounting concerns within the aquaculture sector, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, has constituted a 12-member taskforce to review the Fisheries Management and Development (Aquaculture) Regulations 2024.

This decisive action follows a High Court suspension of the regulations, initially set to take effect on January 1, 2025, until February 10, 2025, after the Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association (LVA) filed a constitutional petition challenging their legality.

Controversial Regulations Spark Legal Dispute

The LVA’s petition argued that the regulations, which proposed a licensing fee of Ksh 50,000 for aquaculture investments in public waters and a 5% ad valorem levy on fish landed, were punitive and unconstitutional.

The association contended that these measures posed a significant threat to the growth of Kenya’s aquaculture industry, emphasizing the lack of stakeholder consultation during their formulation and gazettement.

The court’s decision to suspend the regulations highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to policy-making, ensuring the concerns of industry stakeholders are adequately addressed.

Composition of the Taskforce

The newly formed taskforce brings together representatives from government, industry, and key aquaculture stakeholders.

It includes members from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, the Council of Governors (CoG), the Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association (LVA), and other prominent players in the sector.

Key government representatives include:

  • Wala Joseph: Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Team Leader)
  • Roy Aseka: Assistant Director of Fisheries
  • John Kwanya: Assistant Director of Fisheries
  • Leonard Bett: Legal Counsel

The private sector and stakeholder representatives are:

  • Pete Ondeng: LVA Board Secretary
  • Stanley Mworia: CEO, Aquaculture Alliance of Kenya (AAK)
  • Caesar Asiyo: Chief Development Officer, Victory Farms
  • Albert Altena: CEO, Africa Blue
  • Suzanne Kuria: Vice President, African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET)
  • Angela Odero: CEO, Rio Farm Limited
  • Victor Odhiambo: Legal and Governance Advisor
  • Atieno Otieno: LVA Board Member

Mandate of the Taskforce

The taskforce has been tasked with engaging stakeholders, collecting public and sectoral views, and deliberating on the contentious provisions of the regulations.

Their goal is to propose practical solutions that address industry concerns while aligning with national development priorities.

The team is expected to submit actionable recommendations before the court-ordered suspension expires on February 10, 2025, enabling the formulation of revised regulations that foster growth and sustainability in Kenya’s aquaculture sector.

Stakeholder Reactions

LVA Board Chairman Hon. Ochieng’ Mbeo welcomed the establishment of the taskforce, describing it as a critical step toward resolving disputes and promoting inclusivity in policy-making.

“We are encouraged by the decision of the Cabinet Secretary to provide a platform for stakeholders to contribute to policy formulation. This move will ensure the sector’s voice is heard and contentious issues are resolved amicably,” Mbeo said.

He reiterated that the regulations, in their current form, were detrimental to the sector’s development and failed to account for the input of key players.

Way Forward

The taskforce’s findings and recommendations will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aquaculture regulation in Kenya.

By addressing the grievances raised and incorporating stakeholder insights, the revised regulations are expected to strike a balance between revenue generation and sustainable growth in the sector.

This move underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving blue economy while ensuring fair and transparent regulatory practices.


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