Kenya in fresh push to harness deep-sea fishing potential

Kenya's quest to harness the fisheries potential from its deep-sea waters has received a boost following the launch of a deep-sea fishing exhibition at the Liwatoni Fisheries Complex in Mombasa.

The move aims at transforming the country’s fishing sector by linking investors, financial institutions, fishermen, and boat manufacturers to unlock the full potential of the blue economy.

Kenya Fishing Industries Corporation (KFIC) Acting Chief Executive Mikah Nyaberi said the initiative is designed to shift Kenyan fishing from small-scale, near-shore activities to commercial deep-sea fishing capable of generating higher incomes and creating thousands of jobs.

“Our role as KFIC is to uplift the fishing business for those already in the sector and those who want to join. That is why we have brought together banks, fishermen, beach management units, community-based organisations, boat builders and investors in one space,” Nyaberi said.

He noted that under the programme, youth groups and fishing communities will be supported to acquire large fishing boats suitable for deep-sea operations.

Beneficiaries, Nyaberi said, will be required to raise 10 per cent of the boat’s value, with the balance financed through partner banks.

Two of Kenya's foremost boat manufacturers, Simba Marine, a division of Associated Vehicle Assemblers and Captain Andys Kenya, were present at the exhibition, which was officiated by the KFIC Chairman Jimmy Kahindi, and showcased their products, which included ultimate sports fishing machines, luxury boats, and fishing crafts.

Kahindi said Kenya's Blue economy continues to present significant opportunities for economic growth, employment creation and sustainable resource utilisation with vast marine resources in Kenya's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

'' We are hosting this national exhibition showcasing deep sea fishing boats and related innovations under the theme 'Tuvue Bahari Kuu Pamoja' symbolising unity of stakeholders towards unlocking the full potential of Kenya's deep sea fisheries,'' he said.

He added that through the exhibition, KFIC aims to stimulate economic growth, support job creation, improve food and nutrition security and enhance the livelihoods of coastal and inland fishing communities.

Simba Marine specialises in both fibreglass and aluminium vessels, while Capt Andy's, which deployed its naval architects to design its crafts for the Kenyan coastal and freshwater environments, boasts of having put into the market a 32-foot commercial fishing boat which combines durability, efficiency and innovation.

The boat, according to Capt Andy's, boasts a robust hull construction to handle varying conditions with ease.

'' This vessel will enable fishing communities in Kenya to move away from small-scale artisanal fishing and develop commercial fishing techniques in an affordable and realistic way with low operational costs, quality-built and conscientious design,'' a brief statement from Capt Andy' s said.

Fish harvested from the deep sea will be sold at designated landing and trading points such as Liwatoni, with proceeds used to repay loans, meet operational costs and pay crew salaries, while ensuring fishermen earn sustainable incomes.

He said if the boat operator clears its loan, ownership will be transferred to the youth group operating it.

Nyaberi emphasised that the programme seeks to discourage dependency on free handouts and instead promote responsibility and ownership.

“When you give people things for free, it becomes difficult for them to take care of them. But when they contribute, even a little, they value and protect what they own,” he said.

Nyaberi noted that the programme is continuous, with each boat expected to directly employ six to seven crew members, while indirectly supporting many others through supply chains such as food provision, equipment supply and fish trading.

KFIC is targeting the acquisition of more than 100 boats, a move projected to directly benefit over 6,000 people, with far-reaching economic ripple effects.

KFIC board members present said, despite ongoing discussions around the privatisation of some parastatals, the corporation remains committed to its mandate of improving fishing across the entire country, from the Coast to Lake Victoria and inland water bodies such as Lake Naivasha.

They observed that fishing remains one of Kenya’s least exploited yet potentially most lucrative sectors, compared to traditional cash crops like coffee and tea, and called for increased awareness and investment.

Local fisherman and boat manufacturer Suleiman Masoud and his counterpart Tariq Longoni from Majaoni Upper Hill Fishing Enterprise Ltd welcomed the initiative, saying access to modern vessels and equipment would address long-standing challenges faced by fishermen.

“Our biggest challenge has been operating with small boats that cannot reach deep waters, leading to loss of gear and low returns. With proper vessels, modern fishing gear and tracking systems, we can greatly improve our productivity and incomes,” Masoud said.

He added that a fishing vessel was expected to dock later to allow stakeholders and the media to witness the results of deep-sea fishing firsthand.

On his part, Tariq said that they operate a fleet of five small boats already and conduct their fishing voyages along the Kenyan Coast and venture all the way to the Somalia and Tanzania borders.

Tariq, who grew up in the German city of Cologne, is a hydraulic engineer who lived in the European nation for 22 years before coming back home to set up the deep-sea fishing company.

'' If and when we can acquire much bigger and more powerful vessels to go into the deeper waters, we shall be able to compete effectively with other overseas companies that ply the deeper Indian ocean waters looking for the prized yellowfin tuna, big eye tuna, sword fish and king fish,'' he said.

KFIC expressed optimism that the exhibition marks the beginning of a long-term effort to strengthen Kenya’s blue economy, empower youth, and position fishing as a key driver of national economic growth.