KENYA – Kenya’s fishing industry is set to experience growth following a recently signed economic partnership agreement between Kenya and the European Union expected to pave the way for increased exports to EU markets.
Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, announced that the deal would provide fishermen from the Lake Region with significant opportunities, opening up duty-free and quota-free access to Kenyan exports in twenty-seven European countries.
Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County, Mudavadi commended Trade Principal Secretary Alfred Ombudo K’ombudo for leading the negotiations on behalf of the Kenyan government, guided by President William Ruto.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasized the deal’s significance, stating that it would facilitate the export of fish and horticulture, contributing to economic growth in the region.
“This agreement is significant and will have a huge impact on the Kenyan economy. It has opened doors for fish and horticulture to be exported to 27 EU countries and will spur economic growth in the region,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi further disclosed ongoing discussions with the United States and the United Arab Emirates to expand market access for Kenyan export products.
Despite the challenges inherited by the Kenya Kwanza regime, including financial constraints, Mudavadi expressed optimism about the country’s economic future.
“As a former Minister for Finance, I had predicted hard economic times and problems with the economy when Kenya Kwanza took office, but with these strategies in place, there is hope at the end of the tunnel for Kenyans.”
Meanwhile, in Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has unveiled a comprehensive strategic roadmap to harness the full potential of Tanzania’s fisheries sector.
President Samia also disclosed plans to introduce cage fish farming across major lakes, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to maximizing the benefits of the fisheries sector.
Speaking at Nyamagana Stadium in the Mwanza Region, President Samia outlined the government’s broader vision to elevate the fishing sector’s contribution to the national income.
This includes the construction of fishing ports in Kilwa Masoko and Bagamoyo, the development of modern fish markets, and the identification of suitable areas for cage fishing nationwide.
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