Senator Wakoli at National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) ,Kajjansi,Uganda….Photo/IP.
By Joseph Mauso
KAMPALA, Uganda
Kenyan Senator Wafula Wakoli is making waves — literally and politically — in his latest effort to turn Kenya’s untapped waters into engines of growth.
As Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Wakoli last week led a high-powered delegation to Kajjansi, Uganda, to study how the blue economy is transforming livelihoods across the border.
At the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), Wakoli watched firsthand as Ugandan innovators showcased advanced fish-smoking kilns and affordable fish feeds — technologies that have revolutionized the country’s aquaculture industry.
Uganda now produces more than 650,000 tonnes of fish annually and employs about 1.5 million people in the sector.
“Uganda has shown that the blue economy is not just about water — it’s about work, wealth and dignity,” Wakoli said. “Kenya must rise to that challenge and turn our lakes, rivers and coastline into sustainable economic hubs.”
Since independence in 1964, Kenya has underutilized its marine and inland water resources despite having a long coastline and vast lakes.
The sector contributes only about 2.5 percent of the country’s GDP and provides limited employment compared to its potential. Wakoli says this must change — and soon.
Under his committee’s guidance, the Senate is pushing for new policies to boost aquaculture, expand cold-storage facilities, modernize fishing boats and support small-scale cooperatives.
The goal is to create jobs, enhance food security and strengthen Kenya’s position as a maritime nation.
Globally, countries such as Japan, China, India and the United States have made the blue economy central to their development — investing heavily in fisheries, shipping, offshore energy and marine biotechnology.
In Africa, Seychelles and Mauritius lead with innovative ocean-based enterprises that have boosted tourism and employment.
Wakoli believes Kenya can achieve the same success through bold policy direction and regional partnerships.
His Uganda visit, he says, is the beginning of deeper cooperation between Nairobi and Kampala on shared water resources like Lake Victoria.
“Together, we must build a future where our waters feed our people, employ our youth and sustain our nations,” Wakoli said. “That is the real meaning of a people-driven blue economy.”
Kenya has already begun to experiment with cage farming and coastal fisheries projects, but Wakoli insists that only a coordinated, well-funded strategy will unlock the sector’s full potential.
His call to action is clear: Kenya must stop watching the tide — and start riding it.
