In a major win for the fishing community, the High Court has suspended the implementation of new fisheries regulations introduced by Fisheries and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho. The conservatory order, issued on Friday, halts the enforcement of the contentious rules until February 10, 2025.
The regulations had proposed a Ksh 50,000 licensing fee for all aquaculture establishments operating in public waters, regardless of their size. In addition, a 5% ad valorem tax was to be imposed on the value of landed fish, sparking outrage among stakeholders.
Small-scale fish farmers had strongly opposed the regulations, terming them exploitative and a death blow to the sector. “These fees are punitive and will cripple small-scale operators who are already struggling,” one fish farmer lamented. Lobby groups argued the move would discourage investment in aquaculture and devastate livelihoods in fishing communities across the country.
The court’s decision to suspend the regulations has been widely celebrated by industry players, who now have a temporary reprieve to continue operations without the hefty financial burden. Stakeholders are urging the government to engage them in drafting regulations that promote growth while safeguarding the sector’s socio-economic value.
The ruling is a blow to CS Joho, whose policies in the blue economy are under increasing scrutiny. With the matter set for further hearing in February, the fishing community remains hopeful for a permanent solution.
