Legal reforms and research-backed solutions proposed to save Lake Victoria's fisheries

In an effort to revive the fisheries sector in Kenya, key stakeholders are pushing for legal reforms and improved aquaculture practices.

Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma has called for an urgent review of the Fisheries Act to align it with the 2010 Constitution, while the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) has developed a detailed map to guide fish farmers in Lake Victoria on the proper installation of fish cages.

These efforts come in response to challenges such as declining fish populations and massive fish kills that have caused significant losses to farmers in Kisumu and Busia counties.

Speaking at the inaugural Lake Victoria Aquaculture Forum in Kisumu, Governor Otuoma, who also chairs the Council of Governors' Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Blue Economy Committee, emphasized that the existing fisheries law is outdated and does not reflect the devolved governance structure introduced by the 2010 Constitution.

This, he argued, has hindered the growth of the aquaculture sector, especially in counties where various programs have struggled to take off due to a lack of a clear legal framework.

"We are in discussions with the national government, and Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho is supportive of fast-tracking the review of the Fisheries Act. As a former governor, he understands the issues we are raising," said Otuoma.

He further noted that a technical team comprising representatives from the Council of Governors (CoG), county governments, and the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy has been formed to address legal bottlenecks affecting fisheries development.

A major concern is the decline in fish production, which has forced Kenya to import fish from China to meet local demand. Otuoma emphasized the importance of strengthening local fish farming through projects such as the Kabonyo Kanyagwal Fish Project in Kisumu, which is expected to enhance the production of fingerlings—a crucial step in boosting fish stocks.

He also highlighted the importance of research and collaboration with regional bodies like the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation to develop regulations that protect fishers and prevent cross-border harassment, particularly by Ugandan authorities.

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o echoed these sentiments, calling for a regional framework to manage Lake Victoria’s fisheries. He pointed out that indigenous fish species are facing extinction due to overfishing and environmental degradation.

"We must urgently find out why our fish resources in the lake and rivers are being depleted and develop solutions to reverse this trend," said Nyong'o.

In addition to the legal reforms, KMFRI’s Fresh Water Systems Research Director, Dr. Christopher Aura, announced that the institute has developed a map to help guide the installation of fish cages in Lake Victoria.

This map identifies ideal locations for cage fish farming, taking into account critical factors such as water quality, depth, security, and proximity to landing sites.

"Research has helped us map out locations that minimize risks while ensuring maximum production," said Dr. Aura.

He explained that fish kills in the lake, particularly in Kisumu and Busia, have been linked to a natural phenomenon known as upwelling.

This occurs when deep, cold water, which lacks sufficient oxygen, rises to the surface, leading to mass fish deaths, especially in cages where fish are unable to escape.

To mitigate these risks, KMFRI has advised farmers to avoid installing cages in shallow waters, where upwelling is more likely to have a detrimental impact.

Dr. Aura urged fish farmers to join hands and install cages in deeper waters, which are safer but require substantial investment in cage construction, security, and oxygen monitoring equipment.

He also encouraged farmers to invest in cold storage facilities to prevent further losses in case of emergencies.

"Farmers must regularly check water quality and oxygen levels in the cages to avoid incurring losses," Dr. Aura advised.

He stressed the importance of collaboration among farmers and stakeholders to enhance the sustainability and profitability of cage fish farming in the lake.

Both Otuoma and Nyong’o believe that these coordinated efforts—combining legal reforms, regional collaboration, and scientific research—will unlock the full potential of Lake Victoria’s aquaculture, creating economic opportunities while addressing food security challenges in the region.

With a strong legal framework and improved fish farming practices, stakeholders are hopeful that Kenya will reverse its reliance on fish imports and secure a sustainable future for its fisheries sector.