Members of Parliament are calling for urgent reforms within the Fish Levy Trust Fund to ensure it delivers on its mandate of supporting Kenya’s fishing industry, especially small-scale fish farmers.
During a session convened by the Special Funds Accounts Committee, lawmakers expressed concern over persistent accountability gaps that they say are stalling the Fund’s effectiveness. The Committee, chaired by Hon. Kivasu Nzioka (Mbooni), met with Acting CEO Dr. Beatrice Akunga and officials from the Office of the Attorney-General to review the Fund’s current operations.
Dr. Akunga told the Committee that while the Fund currently collects Ksh 3 million per quarter, it is projected to generate up to Ksh 1.2 billion annually starting from the next financial year—provided it becomes fully operational. These funds, she said, would go toward supporting fish farmers, traders, and stakeholders in Kenya’s growing blue economy.
Despite the potential, MPs raised concerns highlighted in recent audit reports. Chief among them is the fact that the Fund continues to operate without a formally constituted Board of Trustees, a key governance requirement. Dr. Akunga presented letters showing efforts to seek guidance from the relevant authorities, but the Committee said this issue must be resolved urgently.
Additionally, lawmakers demanded clarity on the use of the Fund’s resources. One issue flagged by the Auditor-General was the lack of work tickets for the Fund’s official vehicle—a basic accountability requirement. The Committee has given the Fund’s management seven days to submit the missing documentation.
“The Fund holds tremendous promise for transforming livelihoods along Kenya’s coastlines and inland fisheries,” said Hon. Nzioka. “But without proper governance and transparency, we risk failing the very people we are meant to support.”
Committee members called on the Fund to ramp up public awareness campaigns to educate fish farmers on best practices, sustainability, and safety. They particularly emphasized the need for providing safety equipment like life jackets for fishers who work in open waters.
In response, Dr. Akunga committed to delivering a detailed roadmap outlining how the Fund plans to become fully operational and accountable in the coming months.
The Committee concluded by reiterating the strategic importance of a well-managed Fish Levy Trust Fund in enhancing food security, creating jobs, and strengthening Kenya’s fisheries sector.
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