The Government is in the final stages of establishing a Fisheries Authority to strengthen the management of fisheries resources and curb illegal fishing nationwide, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Ng’wasi Kamani has told Parliament.
Mr Kamani said the proposed authority will enhance regulatory oversight and improve enforcement in fishing zones, addressing longstanding challenges linked to unlawful fishing activities.
The move, he added, will support the effective implementation of the Fisheries Sector Master Plan (2021–2037), which prioritises the development, revival and expansion of fish processing industries across the country.
“Mr Speaker, to ensure our fish processing industries operate in line with government expectations, the Ministry is at an advanced stage of decision-making, in accordance with established procedures, to establish a Fisheries Authority responsible for managing fisheries resources and combating illegal fishing,” Mr Kamani said.
He noted that the authority will play a critical role in ensuring sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources while improving coordination among stakeholders in the sector.
To address the shortage of fish raw materials, the Deputy Minister said the Ministry has already implemented several interventions, including the installation of 32 fish-aggregating buoys worth Sh224 million in the Uchelele area in Mwanza Region.
The initiative is expected to improve fish availability and stabilise supply for both fishers and processing industries.
Mr Kamani further revealed that the Government continues to promote cage fish farming as a strategy to increase production, enhance food security and attract private sector investment in aquaculture and fish processing.
On meat processing, he said the Ministry is actively courting local and foreign investors to expand meat processing industries, while urging livestock keepers to adopt modern farming practices to ensure a steady supply of high-quality livestock products.
The Government believes that strengthening regulatory frameworks, expanding aquaculture and promoting value addition in livestock and fisheries will contribute significantly to job creation, industrial growth and the broader national economy.