Kenyan MPs call for stronger regional collaboration in management of water resources

WAKISO, November 17, 2025 — The Chairperson of Kenya’s Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Senator David Wakoli Wafula, has called for stronger regional collaboration in the management of water resources shared between Kenya and Uganda.

Senator Wakoli said enhanced cooperation in the management of the water resources would promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development among the neighbouring countries, while ensuring a stable market for fish products within the East African Community [EAC].

He made the remarks while leading a delegation of Kenyan senators to the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute [NaFIRRI] at Kajjansi, under the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO], earlier this week.

The recent visit sought to strengthen cross-border cooperation in research, innovation, and policy formulation within the agricultural sector.

Wakoli noted that fishing remains a lucrative enterprise for both Kenya and Uganda but faces growing challenges, including water pollution and poor resource management. He stressed the need for the two countries to work together in sustainably managing shared water bodies, particularly Lake Victoria.

Kenya, he added, has already made progress in fisheries governance through the transformation of Beach Management Units into cooperatives, empowering fishermen to operate competitively while promoting responsible fishing practices.

According to Wakoli, county governments are now working with these cooperatives to help them become self-reliant by investing in cage farming and financing the acquisition of small fishing vessels.

He also said that continued engagements between legislators, local leaders and fishing communities would give policymakers valuable insights that could be applied jointly with neighbouring countries.

“We are here to listen and share experiences on what our neighbours are doing that we might not be doing, and what we are doing that you may not,” he said, adding that collaboration would enable both countries to learn from each other and progress together for the benefit of their people.

The delegation commended Uganda’s advancements in fisheries research and innovation, especially the quality of facilities and the youthful workforce at NaFIRRI. They highlighted the NARO-developed fish smoking kiln and fish feed technologies as practical innovations that could be replicated in Kenya.

“I have been visiting facilities in Kenya, but I am impressed by the capacity here in Uganda. Your labs are very good, and the fish kiln is a great and impressive innovation. I will tell my business people to start buying fish feed from Uganda and also bring farmers here for training,” said Senator Wakoli.

He reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to fast-track bilateral discussions and agreements aimed at strengthening agricultural trade and knowledge exchange between the two nations.

Dr Winnie Nalukenge Nkalubo, Director of Research at NaFIRRI, explained that the institute was established in 1947 as the East African Fisheries Organisation [EAFO], making it the birthplace of fisheries research in East Africa.

Uganda’s annual fish production currently stands at 650,000 tonnes, with capture fisheries contributing 81.5 percent and aquaculture accounting for 18.5 percent. The sector generates approximately Shs 442 billion in revenue each year and earns about US$ 177 million in export income, while employing around 1.5 million Ugandans.

Nalukenge highlighted several innovations spearheaded by NARO to enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector. These include the development of faster-growing Nile tilapia strains, improved African catfish broodstock, and the establishment of the Masese Fish Aquapark in Jinja, which has transformed fishermen into commercial fish farmers with an annual production of 60 tonnes of fish valued at Shs 500 million.

Other innovations include cost-effective insect-based floating fish feeds, bio-based products for controlling fish diseases, and feed formulas derived from local crop varieties.
NARO has also invested in digital technologies such as the Freshwater Biodiversity Portal for Uganda and the electronic Catch Assessment Survey [e-CAS] tool to improve data management and decision-making in the fisheries sector.

Dr Nalukenge added that these efforts align with Uganda’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy [2018], whose goal is to increase national fish production to 1.7 million tonnes annually, thereby enhancing food security, nutrition, and economic growth.

https://thecooperator.news/fish-farmers-trained-in-black-soldier-fly-production-to-cut-feed-costs/

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