Nairobi: The Kenya Fisheries Service, in collaboration with Community Action for Nature Conservation (CANACO), has intensified efforts to strengthen the capacity of Beach Management Units (BMUs) in Mombasa. A training workshop was held to enhance their understanding of fisheries laws, regulations, and governance.
According to Kenya News Agency, CANACO, a leading Kenyan non-governmental organization, is focused on advancing the rights of small-scale fishers and promoting sustainable marine resource management. Benedict Kiilu, the Assistant Director at the Kenya Fisheries Service in Mombasa County, emphasized the critical role BMUs play in promoting the welfare of fishers and driving sustainable development in Kenya’s fisheries sector during the workshop held in Utange, Mombasa.
Kiilu stated that the training equips BMU leaders with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, as well as those of the government, private sector, and other stakeholders involved in fisheries management. He noted that such forums also sensitize coastal communities on the importance of conserving fisheries resources, which form the backbone of many livelihoods, while creating opportunities for collaboration with government agencies and development partners.
According to Kiilu, the Kenya Fisheries Service has been instrumental in promoting compliance with fisheries regulations and advancing the Blue Economy agenda by working closely with local communities. The training programs focus on data collection, co-management, fish handling, and financial operations.
Kiilu added that the Kenya Fisheries Service, whose mandate is to regulate, develop, and conserve the country’s fisheries resources, has continued investing in community infrastructure, citing the development of the Kidongo landing site as one of the government’s initiatives positively impacting local fishing communities.
Doreen Simiyu, a CANACO representative, highlighted the organization’s support for BMU leaders in Mombasa through training on advocacy, fisheries policing, and leadership. She emphasized the importance of understanding the legal and regulatory framework governing the sector for effective fisheries management.
Mombasa BMU Assistant Chairman Alex Ria welcomed the initiative, noting that the training would enhance BMUs’ capacity to improve livelihoods and sustainably manage fisheries resources. He appealed to the government to issue title deeds for landing sites to secure community investments.
Veteran fisherman Said Ali echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over inadequate funding for BMUs despite their significant responsibilities. He called for harmonization of laws governing the fisheries and wildlife sectors, urging reforms to eliminate legal contradictions affecting the sector.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts by the Kenya Fisheries Service and CANACO to strengthen community participation in fisheries governance, promote sustainable resource management, and advance the country’s Blue Economy agenda.
