Fishing
The Problem
Fishing has been the main source of livelihood for Coastal and lake communities since time in memorial. The seaside and lakeside communities in Kenya have practiced peasant and indigenous fishing techniques which have enabled them to maintain a subsistence economy. Unfortunately this has remained undeveloped and therefore these communities have not benefited from modern technology.The development of Fisheries Resources in Kenya can be managed in three categories; Marine Fisheries, Fresh water or Lake Fisheries and Aqua-culture (Fish Farming). In all these categories, the indigenous stakeholder has remained poverty stricken. Both in Marine and Lake Fisheries, the problems have been; lack of capital to acquire modern fishing equipment, lack of appropriate training in modern fishing techniques, lack of preservation facilities, lack of fisheries legislation, poor infrastructure, Lakes drying up due the mismanagement of the eco-system. Conflict of boundaries on fishing water bodies is another problem and child labour mostly in Lake fisheries.
In addition to the above problems, it is evident that there is lack of political goodwill in Kenya to promote this industry.
Policy Vision. Shirikisho envisions a clear policy on fishing, empowering the indigenous fisherman benefiting side by side with the industrial fisherman. We seek to have a vibrant fishing industry in Marine, Lake and Aqua-culture with properly managed fishing resources optimally sustained for future generations. We also seek to devolve the management of this sector to the regions.
Action.
Shirikisho will:-1. Create and enabling policy and legal environment for purposes of the promotion and the management for this vital sector and natural resource.
2. From or agitate for the formation of a Fisheries Authority for the purposes of the promotion and the management for this vital sector.
3. Provide adequate financial recourses for the institution and or betterment of the fishing infrastructure and for a capital borrowing scheme for the fisherman.
4. Emphasis on research and training of both government officers and fisherman for purposes of better management of the environment and eco-system and to enable the fisherman acquire modern fishing techniques.
5. Facilitate diplomatic solution to the Inter-Territorial conflict on the issue of boundaries on fishing water bodies.
6. Devolve the management of fishing to the regions.
