Kilifi fisherfolk protest new fishing laws

Kilifi fishermen have staged a protest against the new fishing laws, stating that the regulations are unfair and place a heavy burden on small-scale operators.

According to the fishermen, the laws impose significant fines and fees that are crippling livelihoods in the sector.

They claim that their input was not adequately considered during the formulation of the regulations.

“We provided our views collectively on the new laws and would like them implemented according to the recommendations of the fishermen. It is not fair to propose policies that disadvantage those who depend on fishing for their livelihoods,” said one of the protestors.

“For instance, a fisherman is required to pay Sh7,100 per year for a small boat. That is a considerable amount,” the fisherfolk added.

They also stated that at times, they are required to pay fees that exceed their earnings from a day’s fishing.

The protesters called for clearer definitions of “landing stations” to help fishermen better understand and comply with the regulations.

“If these laws are passed without amendments, fisherfolk will face significant challenges,” another protestor said.

The protest comes as the government continues to review the matter.

This follows the High Court's suspension of the regulations in December 2024.

The Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association (LVA) filed a constitutional petition on December 23, seeking to halt the implementation of the Fisheries Management Development (Aquaculture) Regulations 2024, which were initially scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025.

The regulations were gazetted by the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, under Legal Notice No. 126.

They establish requirements for fishing vessel licensing, subsistence and recreational fishing, artisanal fishing, and the management of the aquaculture sector.

Key provisions include vessel registration, catch limits for subsistence fishing, vessel safety standards, regulations for fish processing and trade, and mechanisms for compliance and enforcement through agencies such as the Kenya Fisheries Service.