In a bold move to address mounting tensions within the aquaculture sector, Mining and Fisheries Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has established a 12-member task force to tackle the contentious issues surrounding the newly enacted Fisheries Management and Development (Aquaculture) Regulations, 2024.

The task force, a fusion of government representatives and key stakeholders from the fish industry has been formed in response to significant opposition that has marred the implementation of the regulations, which came into effect on January 1, 2025.

The task force commences its work immediately and is expected to submit its report by February 10.

Joho picked Lake Victoria Aquaculture (LVA) Board Secretary Pete Ondeng as co-chair of the Task Force alongside Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Joseph Mahonga Wala.

Ondeng, Stanley Mworia, CEO of Aquaculture Alliance of Kenya, Angela Odero, CEO of Rio Fish, Suzzane Kuria, Vice President of African women Fish Processors and Traders Network will represent fish investors. Others are Ceasar Asiyo, CEO of Victory Farms, Alberto Attena, CEO African Blue Limited, Victor Akuom, LVA Legal and Governance Advisor.

Task force

The state will also be represented on  the Task Force by assistant Directors of Fisheries Roy Aseka, and John Kwanya and Leonard Bett-legal counsel of the state who will work closely under the stewardship of Wala.

The regulations, intended to streamline and regulate the aquaculture industry, had instead sparked uproar among local fish producers and industry players.

LVA, a key body in the sector, had earlier convened a stakeholders’ forum to voice their concerns calling for a review of the punitive aquaculture laws.

In a sharp protest directed to CS Joho, LVA Board Chairman  Ochieng’ Mbeo had  last week outlined the challenges the regulations pose, emphasizing that they create an unsustainable burden on local producers.

“We had no choice but to seek judicial intervention to protect the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyans,” Mbeo said, underscoring the urgency of the matter.

Critical dialogue

On December 27, 2024, the High Court issued a conservatory order suspending the  implementation of the regulations, allowing space for critical dialogue between government officials and industry stakeholders.

In his statement, Mbeo had  criticized the regulations, particularly the punitive licensing fees and the ad valorem levy, arguing that these measures could cripple the growth of Kenya’s aquaculture sector.

“These measures risk stifling the growth of Kenya’s aquaculture sector, undermining food security and economic development goals,” he asserted.

The Permanent Secretary in the State Department for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and the Blue Economy, Betsy Njagi, while acknowledging the concerns raised by stakeholders, pledged to work toward a solution.

“We are committed to fostering an environment where aquaculture can thrive,” She said. “It is essential that we work together to ensure that our regulations promote sustainable growth rather than hinder it.”Njagi said

Mbeo and Ondeng, had criticized the introduction of a Sh50,000 application fee and a 5 percent valorem charge on fish landed, arguing that the measures threatened to undermine and affect the envisaged growth of a vital industry.

 Mbeo said local producers were already grappling with high input costs, limited access to financing, and narrow profit margins.

“The proposed licensing fees are unsustainable and could force many out of business,” he stated, highlighting that the financial strain would disproportionately impact small and medium enterprises.

The petition raised the CS concerns that the fees contradicted the government’s objective of promoting domestic production and reducing reliance on imported fish.

Mbeo said by imposing such costs, the regulations risk undermining food security initiatives and could inadvertently encourage greater dependence on imported fish.