Kenya’s Senate is calling for enhanced regional collaboration with Uganda to ensure sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development.
Senator David Wakoli Wafula, chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, made the appeal during an official visit to the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) on Thursday.
His delegation toured the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) Aquaculture Centre at Kajjansi to explore opportunities for joint research, policy formulation, and innovation in the agricultural sector.
“Fishing is a lucrative enterprise for both Kenya and Uganda, but it faces challenges such as water pollution and poor resource management. We need to work together to sustainably manage shared water bodies like Lake Victoria,” Senator Wakoli said.
He highlighted Kenya’s progress in fisheries governance, including the transformation of beach management units into cooperatives that empower fishermen, encourage responsible practices, and support investments in cage farming and small fishing boats.
Senator Wakoli also commended Uganda’s fisheries research and innovation, noting the quality of NaFIRRI’s facilities and its youthful workforce.
He praised innovations such as the NARO-invented fish smoking kiln and fish feed technologies, suggesting they could be replicated in Kenya.
“We are here to listen and share experiences on what our neighbours are doing that we might not be doing, and what we are doing that you may not,” he added, stressing the importance of learning from each other to benefit both nations.
During the visit, Dr. Winnie Nalukenge Nkalubo, Director of Research at NaFIRRI, provided an overview of Uganda’s fisheries sector.
Uganda produces an estimated 650,000 tonnes of fish annually, with capture fisheries contributing 81.5% and aquaculture 18.5%.
The sector generates approximately UGX 442 billion in annual revenue, earns $177 million in exports, and employs around 1.5 million Ugandans.
Dr. Nalukenge highlighted several innovations from NARO aimed at boosting productivity and sustainability, including faster-growing Nile tilapia, improved African catfish broodstock, the Masese Fish Aquapark, insect-based floating fish feeds, bio-based disease control products, and digital tools such as the Freshwater Biodiversity Portal and the electronic Catch Assessment Survey (e-CAS).
Representing the NARO Director General, Dr. Stevens Kisaka emphasized that many agricultural and fisheries challenges transcend national borders, calling for joint planning, coordinated research, and shared strategies.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen institutional linkages, research collaboration, and trade relations between Uganda and Kenya, aiming to deliver tangible benefits to communities in both countries.