BLUE ECONOMY, WATER AND IRRIGATION COMMITTEE CONCLUDES REVIEW OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT BILL, 2023

BLUE ECONOMY, WATER AND IRRIGATION COMMITTEE CONCLUDES REVIEW OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT BILL, 2023

Friday, February 20, 2026

The Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee has finalized public hearings on the Fisheries Management and Development Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 29 of 2023), a proposed law aimed at strengthening regulation, sustainability, and growth within Kenya’s fisheries sector.
The Bill seeks to clarify the roles of national and county governments in line with constitutional provisions on devolved functions and to promote the sustainability and responsible exploitation of marine and inland fisheries resources.
The Committee held consultative deliberations with officials from the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, led by Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi, and with representatives of the Council of Governors, represented by Director Kizito Wangalwa. The discussions focused on key concerns raised during public participation forums held nationwide last year.
The Committee gathered views from residents in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Turkana, Baringo, and Nakuru Counties, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for harmonized regulation that reflects the realities of coastal, inland, and lake-based fishing communities.
Among the most prominent concerns was the licensing framework. Fisherfolk called for the introduction of a single, unified license to replace the current multiple licensing requirements, which they argued are costly and burdensome. There were also appeals for a review of proposed licensing fee increases to reflect prevailing economic conditions.
Other key matters discussed include the revenue-sharing formula between county and national governments; the establishment, structure, and oversight of Beach Management Units; regulation and standardization of fishing gear; construction, modernization, and management of landing sites; governance of cage-farming activities; and Kenya’s regional and international fisheries obligations.
Committee Chairperson, Hon. Kangogo Bowen, underscored the importance of enacting clear and sector-specific legislation that safeguards the interests of fishers while supporting national economic growth.
“We want to have legislation that makes it as easy as possible for the Kenyan fisherman to carry out their activities. This Bill is geared towards ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and fairness in the sector,” said Hon. Bowen.
The Committee is currently finalizing its report and recommendations, which are expected to be tabled in the National Assembly next week for debate and consideration.