The Ministry of Fisheries announced a sweeping set of new regulations aimed at reviving dwindling fish populations and stamping out illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The policy includes a mandatory 30‑day closed season for key commercial species, tighter licensing requirements, and the introduction of satellite‑based vessel monitoring systems. Violators will face fines up to 10 million shillings and possible revocation of fishing permits. Officials say the measures are based on recent scientific assessments that show a 40 % decline in coastal fish stocks over the past decade. Environmental NGOs have welcomed the move, calling it “a decisive step toward sustainable marine stewardship,” while some fishing cooperatives have expressed concern over short‑term economic impacts. The government has pledged a compensation fund of 500 million shillings to support small‑scale fishers during the transition period.
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