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Members of the Committee on Delegated Legislation, led by Chairperson Hon. Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi), received a briefing today on key regulations aimed at streamlining the fishing sector.
The committee heard detailed submissions from Betsy Muthoni Njagi, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries. The briefing covered a series of proposed regulations under her purview, including:
- Fisheries Management and Development (General) Regulations, 2024
- Marine Fisheries Regulations, 2024
- Beach Management Units Regulations, 2024
- Inland Fisheries Regulations, 2024
- Fish Levy Trust Fund Order, 2024
- Recreational Fisheries Regulations, 2024
- Fish Safety and Quality Regulations, 2024
- Aquaculture Fisheries Regulations, 2024
During the session, MPs questioned PS Njagi about a clause in the Marine Fisheries Regulations that prohibits the public from catching more than five whole fish or more than five kilograms of fish per day.
“How practical is it to confine a fisherman to only catching five fish a whole day?” posed Hon. Chepkonga, echoing concerns from other committee members.
PS Njagi defended the clause, stating it applies only to subsistence fishing, not commercial fishing. “We established the five whole fish rule per day after thorough public participation. The number reflects the average size of the household,” explained PS Njagi. She added that the regulation aims to protect marine fishery resources.
Committee members recommended that the state department also develop strict regulations to guide the handling of fish, noting that current practices pose a health hazard.
