Unlocking Kenya’s Blue Economy: Urgent Need for Comprehensive Aquaculture and Mariculture Policy

By Andrew Mwangura

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya stands at the threshold of a transformative opportunity. With over 536 kilometers of Indian Ocean coastline and vast freshwater resources, the country possesses immense potential to revolutionise its aquaculture sector. 

Yet, despite these natural advantages, Kenya’s aquaculture industry remains significantly underutilized, contributing only a fraction to national food security and economic growth compared to global leaders.

The time has come for Kenya to develop and implement a robust, forward-thinking aquaculture policy that specifically addresses mariculture development through cage farming systems in brackish waters.

This strategic approach could position Kenya as a regional leader in sustainable fish production while generating substantial economic returns for coastal communities and the nation at large.

Learning from Global Success Stories

China’s remarkable transformation into the world’s largest producer of penaeid shrimps through their “Aquaculture Backyard Systems” policy offers valuable lessons. 

Despite facing significant challenges including disease outbreaks and water pollution, China’s systematic approach to aquaculture development enabled them to dominate global shrimp production.

Their success demonstrates that with proper policy frameworks, even countries facing environmental constraints can achieve extraordinary results in aquaculture development.

Similarly, Norway’s salmon farming industry, built on comprehensive regulatory frameworks and environmental safeguards, generates over $11 billion annually and employs thousands of people.

Vietnam’s shrimp farming sector, which produces over 730,000 metric tons annually, has lifted millions out of poverty through strategic coastal aquaculture development. These examples underscore the transformative potential of well-designed aquaculture policies.

Global Aquaculture Landscape

The numbers speak volumes about aquaculture’s global significance. According to the latest FAO data, global aquaculture production reached a record 223.2 million tonnes in 2022, with aquaculture surpassing capture fisheries for the first time.

The sector is valued at approximately $310.6 billion globally and is projected to grow at 5.1% annually through 2030. Marine aquaculture specifically is projected to increase by 36-74% by 2050, driven by rising global incomes and protein demand.

Kenya currently produces approximately 173,600 metric tons of fish annually, with freshwater sources contributing 141,400 metric tons and marine sources adding 32,000 metric tons.

While mariculture production exceeds 100 metric tons, this represents a tiny fraction of Kenya’s potential given its extensive coastline and favorable marine conditions.

Economic Value to Kenya

A comprehensive aquaculture policy focused on mariculture development could generate substantial economic benefits for Kenya. Conservative estimates suggest that scaling up mariculture production to just 10% of Vietnam’s current output could generate over $500 million annually in direct revenue.

The multiplier effects would be even more significant, creating employment in feed production, processing, transportation, marketing, and equipment manufacturing.

The Kenya Coastal Development Project has already demonstrated the feasibility of marine aquaculture ventures. 

Expanding this through systematic cage farming in brackish waters could establish Kenya as a regional hub for high-value marine species including grouper, snapper, and various shellfish species that command premium prices in both domestic and international markets.

Kenya’s strategic location provides unparalleled access to Middle Eastern, European, and Asian markets, where demand for sustainably produced marine products continues to grow.

The country’s existing fish export infrastructure, particularly for Nile perch, provides a foundation that can be leveraged for mariculture products.

Transforming Local Fishing Communities

Perhaps the most compelling argument for developing Kenya’s mariculture sector lies in its potential to transform coastal fishing communities. 

Traditional marine capture fisheries face increasing pressure from overfishing, climate change, and competing uses of marine spaces. Mariculture offers these communities a pathway to sustainable livelihoods that builds on their existing maritime expertise.

Cage farming operations require skilled operators, maintenance personnel, feed suppliers, and processing workers. A single large-scale mariculture facility can directly employ 50-100 people while supporting hundreds more in the broader value chain.

For coastal communities in Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and Mombasa counties, this represents an opportunity to diversify beyond tourism and traditional fishing into a high-value, climate-resilient economic activity.

Successful mariculture development requires community buy-in and participation. Policy frameworks should prioritize community-based aquaculture models that ensure local ownership and benefit-sharing.

This approach has proven successful in countries like Bangladesh and the Philippines, where small-scale aquaculture operations have significantly improved rural livelihoods.

Environmental Safeguards

Any comprehensive aquaculture policy must address environmental sustainability, particularly the risk of eutrophication in marine environments.

Kenya’s policy framework should establish clear guidelines for site selection and carrying capacity 

Designating specific zones for mariculture development based on comprehensive environmental impact assessments.

These zones should consider water circulation patterns, existing ecosystems, and cumulative environmental impacts.

Waste Management Protocols

Mandatory waste treatment systems for all mariculture operations, including requirements for settling ponds, filtration systems, and regular monitoring of effluent quality. Operators should be required to demonstrate that their discharge meets strict environmental standards.

Feed Management Standards

Regulations governing feed composition, feeding schedules, and feed conversion ratios to minimize nutrient loading in marine environments. 

Incentives for using locally produced, environmentally sustainable feeds should be included.

Monitoring and Enforcement

Establishment of regular water quality monitoring programs, with real-time data collection systems that can detect early signs of environmental degradation. Strong enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for non-compliance, are essential.

Environmental Restoration Requirements

Mandatory environmental restoration funds that operators contribute to, ensuring that any environmental impacts are offset through habitat restoration or conservation activities.

Technology and Innovation Integration

Kenya’s aquaculture policy should embrace cutting-edge technologies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), automated feeding systems, and real-time water quality monitoring can significantly improve efficiency and sustainability.

The policy should also promote research and development partnerships between local universities, international research institutions, and private sector operators.

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) should be positioned as the lead technical institution supporting sector development through applied research and technology transfer.

Financing and Investment Framework

Developing Kenya’s mariculture sector requires substantial investment in infrastructure, technology, and human capacity.

The policy framework should establish innovative financing mechanisms including:

– Blue economy bonds specifically for aquaculture development

– Risk-sharing facilities that encourage private sector investment

– Concessional financing for small and medium-scale operators

– Tax incentives for sustainable aquaculture investments

– Public-private partnerships for infrastructure development

Regulatory Standards

Kenya’s advantage lies in learning from other countries’ experiences while developing regulatory frameworks suited to local conditions.

The recently published Fisheries Management and Development (Aquaculture) Regulations 2024 provide a foundation, but more specific provisions for mariculture development are needed.

International certification standards such as Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification should be integrated into the policy framework, ensuring that Kenyan mariculture products meet global sustainability standards and command premium prices in international markets.

Kenya’s projected fish production growth to 25,700 metric tons by 2028 represents modest progress, but the country’s potential extends far beyond these projections.

With proper policy frameworks, strategic investments, and strong environmental safeguards, Kenya could become a regional powerhouse in sustainable mariculture production.

The policy development process should be inclusive, incorporating input from coastal communities, environmental organizations, private sector operators, and technical experts. 

Regional cooperation with neighboring countries can enhance market access and knowledge sharing.

Success requires political will, adequate funding, and sustained commitment to implementation. The economic and social benefits of a thriving mariculture sector – job creation, foreign exchange earnings, improved food security, and community development – justify the investment required.

Kenya’s blue economy holds immense promise, but realizing this potential requires bold policy action.

A comprehensive aquaculture policy that prioritizes sustainable mariculture development through cage farming systems can position Kenya as a regional leader while transforming coastal communities and contributing significantly to national economic growth.

The lessons from China, Norway, Vietnam, and other aquaculture leaders provide a roadmap, but Kenya must chart its own course that balances economic development with environmental sustainability.

The time for action is now – Kenya’s coastal communities, economy, and environment all stand to benefit from visionary aquaculture policy development.

With proper planning, robust environmental safeguards, and community-centered approaches, Kenya can unlock the full potential of its maritime resources while setting new standards for sustainable aquaculture development in Africa and beyond.

The writer is a Maritime Affairs Analyst and Maritime Policy Advocate.