Kenyan leader signs fisheries law

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has signed into law the Fisheries Management and Development Bill to ensure equitable use of marine resources.

Kenyatta said in a statement on Sunday that the Fisheries Management and Development Act 2016 provides for the conservation, management and development of fisheries and other aquatic resources to enhance the livelihood of communities that depend on fishing.

The new law also gives guidance on the import and export trade of fish and fish products, fish quality and safety among other provisions.

It also establishes the Kenya Fisheries Services and the Kenya Fisheries Advisory Council.

"Functions of the Kenya Fisheries Services include ensuring the appropriate conservation, development of standards on management, sustainable use and protection of the country's fisheries resources," the statement said.

President Kenyatta said the new law will ensure that the country's marine resources are used for the benefit of Kenyans, especially coastal residents.

"With this law in place, we are able to protect our marine resources from exploitation by other nationals at the expense of our people," he said.

The Kenyan leader said the new law will also help the country to utilize the blue economy to create jobs for Kenyan youth. Endit