Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee receives submissions from the Blue Economy PS, on the Fisheries Management and Development Bill, 2023

Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee receives submissions from the Blue Economy PS, on the Fisheries Management and Development Bill, 2023

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

The Blue Economy, Water, and Irrigation Committee, chaired by Hon. Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), met with Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi of the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, to discuss the Fisheries Management and Development Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 29 of 2023).

The Bill aims to establish a comprehensive legislative framework for the development, governance, and investment in ocean and fisheries resources in line with the national development policy objectives envisaged in Vision 2030.

The Bill is aligned with international and regional instruments governing global fisheries, ensuring compliance with relevant national laws.

Additionally, the Bill seeks to align fisheries sector governance with the Constitution, which emphasizes sustainable resource use for the benefit of Kenyans while balancing national and county-level governance.

PS Njagi proposed the deletion of functions under Clause 8(b), (k), (r), (s), and (t) from the Act, removing them as responsibilities of the Service and Kenya Fish Marketing Authority, and reallocating them under a new clause outlining the Ministry’s functions for the blue economy and fisheries.

Following a recent Cabinet directive on function transfers, she also recommended deleting Clause 15(2)(d), which refers to the Fish Marketing Authority which is set to be dissolved, with its responsibilities moved to the State Department.

Additionally, the PS suggested removing Clause 27 which establishes the Fish Levy Trust Fund, as its functions will be transferred to the Cabinet Secretary’s office.

Further proposals included amendments, additions, and deletions of various terms and definitions to enhance clarity and align the Bill with international standards and best practices.

The Committee will continue receiving submissions from stakeholders before preparing a report for consideration by the House.