• Kenya’s fish import costs fell to $7.12 million in 2024, down 44% from $12.77 million in 2023.
• Local production rose 4.34% to 168,424 tons, driven by a 21% jump in marine catches and 5% growth in aquaculture.
• Despite gains, demand still far outstrips supply, with annual consumption needs projected at 510,000 tons versus current production.

Kenya’s fish and seafood imports cost 921.1 million shillings ($7.12 million) in 2024, down 44% from 1.65 billion shillings ($12.77 million) in 2023, according to the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS).

The drop in import value coincided with a reduction in import volumes. Kenya imported 9,960 tons of fish in 2024, down 11.4% from 11,253 tons the year before.

Growth in Local Production

KeFS attributed the decline in imports mainly to higher domestic output, particularly from marine fishing and cage aquaculture. Total domestic fish landings increased 4.34% year-on-year to 168,424 tons.

Marine catches rose 21% to 48,608 tons, while aquaculture output increased 5% to 33,289 tons.

By contrast, inland fisheries, which remain the main source of local supply, fell 3.5% to 86,527 tons.

Beyond the robust performance of aquaculture and marine fishing, an additional factor likely contributed to the reduced reliance on imports in 2024. While the KeFS report does not explicitly mention it, the Kenyan government introduced a 10% excise duty on fish imports in its 2023/24 fiscal year budget. Authorities aimed this measure at protecting the local fish industry from cheaper foreign products, particularly from China.

Despite the current trend confirming the growth of marine fishing and aquaculture, strong domestic demand could necessitate continued reliance on imports in the coming years. Kenya’s per capita fish consumption stands at 4.3 kilograms annually, far below Africa’s average of 10 kilograms. With a population exceeding 51 million in 2024, projected demand reaches 510,000 tons, far above current output, according to KeFS.

This article was initially written in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum