Strengthening responsible stewardship of coastal and marine fisheries in Kilifi County
Oceans Alive Vision for sustainable fisheries
Kilifi County, located along Kenya's coastline, is home to rich coastal and marine resources. With the second-largest mangrove forest in Kenya and a thriving marine artisanal fisheries sector, Kilifi plays a critical role in the local economy with the local fisheries resources contributing approximately 25% of Kenya's total artisanal fish landings, contributing an impressive Ksh. 2.4 billion annually.
​
Yet, these rich coastal resources are under pressure. Challenges such as illegal fishing practices, unsustainable fishing methods, and habitat destruction threaten both the marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on them. These challenges call for strengthened governance and innovative solutions to protect and manage Kilifi’s marine resources.​
In response to these issues, the Kenyan government has introduced the Kenya Beach Management Unit (BMU) Regulations of 2024, aimed at empowering local communities in the sustainable management of fish resources. The BMUs are community-based groups that represent fishers and other key stakeholders at fish landing stations. Working alongside government agencies, the BMUs help to promote sustainable fishing practices, reduce illegal fishing, and protect marine habitats.
​
In Kilifi County, there are 17 BMUs, all of which are represented in the newly established Kilifi County BMU Network. This network unites BMUs from across the county, creating a collaborative platform for advocacy, support, and shared learning. By fostering connections between BMUs and other stakeholders, the Kilifi County BMU Network amplifies local voices in marine conservation and facilitates stronger partnerships.
To further empower this network, the Darwin Initiative: Capability and Capacity Project has been launched, focused on strengthening the governance and operational capacity of the Kilifi County BMU Network.
Led by the Oceans Alive Foundation in partnership with Kilifi County’s Directorate of Fisheries, Fauna and Flora International, and the Kilifi County BMU Network, this one-year project (April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025) aims to bring lasting benefits to Kilifi's fisheries and coastal communities.
The project, fully funded by the UK government through the Darwin Initiative Capability and Capacity Scheme, has three key objectives:
​
-
Building stronger governance: Establishing clear, inclusive governance guidelines that reflect the diversity of Kilifi's fishing communities, including representation for vulnerable and marginalized groups
-
Increasing awareness and engagement: Empowering the BMU Network to carry out awareness campaigns that educate members about sustainable fishing practices, regulatory changes, and community rights
-
Strengthening policy participation: Enabling the BMU Network to actively contribute to county policy discussions, ensuring that the voices of local fishers and coastal communities are represented in regulatory development
​
Through these goals, the project aims to foster a well-governed, active, and informed BMU Network that can sustainably manage Kilifi’s fisheries resources for generations to come.
