Joho Clarifies Govt Using Ksh1.6B to Count Fish
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, has defended the fish stock assessment initiative undertaken by his ministry.
During a press briefing in Busia, Joho highlighted the importance of monitoring the country’s maritime resources, similar to how animal populations are tracked in national parks.
He dismissed criticisms of the exercise as a waste of resources, emphasizing that evaluating fish stocks is vital for boosting the blue economy and attracting investments.
The CS further clarified that fish stock assessment involves more than just counting fish; it includes analyzing breeding patterns, water quality, and fish movement.
“No one can physically count fish in the sea or lake,” Joho stated, “Instead, we analyze the entire marine ecosystem, covering environmental conditions, fish populations, breeding trends, species, and water health.”
The ministry allocated Ksh3.6 billion over three years for fish stock assessment in the Indian Ocean, with Ksh1.6 billion spent between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
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Joho noted that fish stock assessments play a crucial role in developing policies and safeguarding fish species in the country.
“If we don’t conduct this research, how would we know if Tuna is going extinct? How can we issue fishing licenses without knowing sustainable limits?” he asked, stressing the need for science-backed data.
He added that neighboring countries like Tanzania and Somalia also conduct stock assessments and expressed frustration over the misconception that the exercise merely involves counting fish.
“If we stop stock assessments, we risk allowing our neighbors to exploit our natural resources while they benefit from their assessments,” Joho argued, pointing out the practices in countries like Tanzania, Somalia, Seychelles, Mauritius, and South Africa.
He concluded that to make the blue economy a thriving sector in Kenya, investing in fish stock assessment is essential.
Joho Clarifies Govt Using Ksh1.6B to Count Fish
