Exploring the Untapped Potential of Fishing in Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world and Africa’s fourth-largest lake, holds immense potential for the development of the fisheries sector in Turkana County.

With an annual production capacity of over 30,000 metric tonnes, valued at more than KShs 2 billion, the lake remains a critical yet underutilized resource. Despite its artisanal nature, current fish production fluctuates between 7,000 and 10,000 metric tonnes annually, with historical peaks of 17,950 metric tonnes.

The fisheries sector contributes 10% of the county’s revenue, but its full potential remains untapped due to factors such as low investment, inadequate infrastructure, and uncoordinated policies.

Enhancing fisheries and aquaculture in the region could improve food security, reduce poverty, and create employment opportunities for thousands of families.

Stakeholders and Actors in the Fishing Ecosystem

The Lake Turkana fisheries ecosystem comprises diverse stakeholders:

Primary Actors:

These include artisanal fishermen, fish traders, and processors.

Women play a significant role in fish processing and selling, forming a backbone for the fisheries economy in towns like Kalokol and Lodwar. Entire family units often engage in fishing, reflecting the community’s deep reliance on the lake.

Support Institutions

Organizations such as the Kenya Fisheries Service (KFS), the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), and NGOs like Friends of Lake Turkana facilitate research, training, and infrastructure development.

International players like IGAD and the World Food Programme (WFP) focus on sustainability and resilience in the fish value chain.

Regulations Governing Fisheries in Lake Turkana

The fisheries sector in Turkana operates under a mix of county and national regulations:

• Licenses are mandatory for fish trading, vessel registration, and fish health compliance.
• Levies include market fees and inter-county cess, but many actors find these charges burdensome, leading to calls for streamlined revenue collection.
• Regulations mandate the use of authorized fishing gear to prevent resource depletion. For instance, specific gillnet sizes are prescribed for Nile perch and tilapia fishing.
• Despite these measures, enforcement remains weak, leading to widespread illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens resource sustainability.

Access to Information in the Fisheries Sector

Access to information is a significant challenge in Lake Turkana’s fisheries sector:

• A majority of actors (74%) are illiterate and lack awareness of licensing requirements and revenue policies.
• While forums are held periodically to discuss fisheries management, stakeholders often report weak connections between the County Fisheries Department, BMUs, and other entities.
• Centralized administration systems are recommended to enhance accountability and transparency, reduce conflicts during revenue collection, and simplify information dissemination.
• Efforts like the Blue Economy Strategic Resilience and Livelihood Program (BESRLP) aim to address these gaps by empowering BMUs to serve as service hubs linked to key stakeholders.

Key Institutions Supporting the Fisheries Sector

Several institutions support fisheries in Turkana:

• State Institutions: The State Department for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and the Blue Economy (SDFABE) formulates policies and oversees sector management. The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) conducts essential research for fisheries development.

• County Governments: Agencies at the county level implement policies and regulate fishing activities, often working with BMUs and other community organizations.

• Non-Governmental Organizations: Groups like Friends of Lake Turkana promote peaceful coexistence among stakeholders and address environmental conservation issues.

• International Partners: IGAD’s ECOFISH Program and WFP’s interventions aim to harmonize regulations, develop infrastructure, and boost capacity-building for sustainable fisheries.

Main Fisheries Issues in Lake Turkana

The fisheries sector faces several challenges:

• Resource Management: IUU fishing, lack of adherence to regulations, and use of unauthorized gear have depleted resources. Fishermen exploit gaps in enforcement, leading to conflicts among stakeholders.

• Policy and Governance: Weak policy frameworks and uncoordinated development approaches hinder sector growth. The absence of a comprehensive fisheries bill at the county level exacerbates these issues.

• Socioeconomic Barriers: High post-harvest losses, poor market systems, and limited access to finance restrict profitability.

• Environmental Concerns: Pollution, overfishing, and climate change threaten the lake’s ecosystem.

• Infrastructure Gaps: Lack of storage, processing facilities, and transportation logistics results in significant fish spoilage.

Strategies to Address Challenges

To unlock the sector’s potential, a collaborative approach is necessary:

• Government Action: Develop and enforce clear policies, including demarcation of fish breeding zones and protected areas. Provide financial support for infrastructure development.
• Community Involvement: Empower BMUs to manage resources effectively, enhance conflict resolution, and promote sustainable practices.
• International Collaboration: Programs like IGAD’s ECOFISH should continue to facilitate data sharing and bilateral agreements between Kenya and Ethiopia for joint lake management.
• Capacity Building: Train fishers and traders in modern fishing techniques, sustainable practices, and financial management.
• Private Sector Engagement: Encourage investment in cold storage, processing plants, and marketing systems to reduce post-harvest losses.

Recommendations to Improve the Sector

• Adopt a Comprehensive Fisheries Policy: Turkana County should enact the fisheries and aquaculture bill to streamline governance, conserve resources, and attract investments.
• Promote Sustainable Aquaculture: Develop cage culture and other sustainable fish farming methods to reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and improve food security.
• Strengthen BMUs and Enforcement: Equip BMUs with resources and training to monitor illegal activities and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Invest in Infrastructure: Build modern cold storage facilities, processing plants, and transportation networks to reduce post-harvest losses and improve fish quality.
• Enhance Research and Collaboration: Support KMFRI and other research bodies to gather data on fish stocks, climatic impacts, and socioeconomic trends for informed policymaking.