Kenya's fish export earnings fell to Sh5.97 billion in 2024, the first drop in four years, weighed down by output challenges, including overfishing, illegal fishing, and pollution.
Data by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) shows that the value of Kenyan fish sold in foreign markets declined 12.07 per cent in 2024 from Sh6.67 billion the previous year.
The double-digit fall, which is an equivalent of Sh805.29 million, was the first since the Sh681.61 million drop registered in 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains and saw Kenya's fish exports fall sharply by 20 percent to Sh2.73 billion.
While the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was felt across many sectors, the fishing industry, which is heavily reliant on global markets bore a significant brunt of the downturn.
However, Kenya's fish exports rebounded strongly in 2021 after realising growth of 25.1 per cent to fetch Sh3.41 billion.
Analysts attributed the recovery to the gradual reopening of global markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, where Kenyan fish products have long been in demand.
The real breakthrough came in 2022 when fish exports soared to Sh5.59 billion, a remarkable 64.02 per cent growth.
This boom can be linked to several factors, including increased demand for Kenyan fish products, a more stable international trade environment, and improved local production.
In 2023, Kenya's fish exports continued their upward trajectory, reaching Sh6.67 billion, a growth of 19.27 per cent.
However, the 2024 slowdown came when the local fishing industry faced challenges such as the depletion of fish stocks, environmental concerns, and rising operational costs.
Lake Victoria is Kenya's main source of fish, but dwindling fish from the lake in recent years have forced the country to rely more on imports to plug the deficit even as demand for the delicacy continues to rise.
Kenya's share of fish production from Lake Victoria declined to 70,300 tonnes in 2023, from 86,400 in 2022, data by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics showed.
It is estimated that Kenya has an annual deficit of 365,000 tonnes of fish against a demand of 500,000 tonnes.
Dr Christopher Aura, Director of Freshwater Systems at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, said the fish breeding zones play a great role in the reproduction and replenishing of fish stock in Lake Victoria.
"These breeding grounds are vital in freshwater ecosystems. Lately, the sites are under immense threat, resulting in conflicts between conservation, management, and exploitation," he said.
