Kenya Case Study One: Hit-and-Miss: Assessing the Current Fisheries Regulations in Light of the Changing Face of Marine Artisanal Fisheries in Kenya

Abstract

Marine artisanal fisheries play an important role among Kenyan coastal communities, making a vital contribution to livelihoods and food security. Nevertheless, the contribution of this fishery sector to the national fishery and the gross domestic product (GDP) is low and minimal investments have been pumped back into the sector both in terms of budget and policies reflecting the status of the fisheries sector. Since Independence (1963), the Kenyan fisheries sector has operated without a comprehensive policy and legal framework. However, in 2008, the government, through the state department of fisheries, enacted the national oceans and fisheries policy to address the myriad of challenges facing the sector and to contribute to the overall sustainable use of fisheries resources and marine ecosystems. Nevertheless, the fishery has continued to face a myriad of challenges typical to most fisheries in the developing countries occasioned by declining catches, increasing effort and the use of unsustainable fishing practices, putting the livelihoods of future generations at risk. Besides, the government has committed to many international and regional instruments relevant to fisheries in an attempt to meet its international obligation in supporting global efforts towards sustainable fisheries. Nevertheless, there are constraints towards implementing some of these resolutions and there is the risk that these commitments put further stress on the respective fisheries management agencies already under severe pressure. The government has prioritized participation in processes and forums towards the advance of international and regional treaties at the expense of the national needs. Therefore, while the national government might appear to be making significant progress in meeting the global targets, there is little evidence that there is compliance with national fisheries legislation. A continued decline in the status of the fisheries stocks can still be expected unless more resources and effort are put towards the fisheries sector nationally.