Wednesday, 18 March, 2026
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The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, conducted an inspection visit to the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in Mombasa as part of its oversight mandate on the development of the fisheries sector and the advancement of Kenyaโs blue economy.
During the visit, Members toured the KMFRI Museum where various species of fish found along the Kenyan coastline have been preserved for research, education and public awareness. The facility also hosts exhibits of coral reefs, seagrass, marine weeds and other aquatic plants that play a critical role in sustaining marine ecosystems.
The Committee was briefed on the importance of the blue economy and the role played by KMFRI in supporting the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. The Institute highlighted its ongoing initiatives in expanding seaweed and seagrass farming, noting that the activities support marine ecosystems while also creating income-generating opportunities for coastal communities.
Members were further informed that seaweed and mangrove conservation initiatives present significant economic potential, including the development of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as well as other value-added products derived from marine plants. Mangrove conservation efforts have also opened opportunities for carbon credit trading, with coastal communities already benefiting through projects implemented along the South Coast and in Lamu County.
Additionally, the Institute demonstrated its role across the fisheries value chain, including research in fish breeding, development of affordable fish feeds using locally available raw materials and innovation in low-cost post-harvest management technologies aimed at reducing losses and improving incomes for fish farmers and fishing communities.
Members also noted that the Institute has the capacity to support the development of marine biology curricula within Kenyaโs education system in order to build the human capital required to fully harness the potential of the blue economy.
The Committee emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific research to address emerging challenges such as climate change and pollution affecting Kenyaโs rivers, lakes and oceans.
Furthermore, the Committee underscored the need for increased investment in research and technology, particularly in the development of innovative and affordable post-harvest management systems for fish farmers.
The Members also pledged to support legislative interventions aimed at reviewing the existing fisheries legal framework to address challenges in licensing and regulatory overlaps between the National Government and County Governments, which have at times led to duplication and delays for fish farmers and fishermen.
The Committee further called for increased allocation of resources to combat illegal fishing and emphasized the need for improved research, monitoring and surveillance equipment to strengthen fisheries management and enforcement.
Members also encouraged KMFRI to intensify research aimed at reducing the cost of fish feeds and promoting local feed production, which remains a major constraint in aquaculture development.
Further, the Committee urged the Institute to strengthen its work on spatial mapping of marine resources, particularly in identifying suitable zones for cage fish farming in order to reduce losses experienced by farmers due to low oxygen levels and other ecological conditions in unsuitable locations.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and investments aimed at strengthening fisheries research, enhancing value chains and unlocking the full potential of Kenyaโs blue economy for the benefit of coastal communities and the country at large.