MPs Review Kenya’s Ratification Of WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

The Blue Economy, Water, and Irrigation Committee met on Tuesday to discuss Kenya’s ratification of the protocol amending the Marrakesh Agreement, which established the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

Led by Vice-Chairperson and Kuria East MP Marwa Kitayama, the committee received submissions from the State Departments for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Trade, Foreign Affairs, and the National Treasury.

The key objective of the agreement is to protect global marine resources by promoting sustainable fishing practices, preventing overfishing, and balancing the needs of fishing communities with the long-term health of oceans and seas.

The agreement also aims to create fair competition in global fisheries trade by preventing subsidies that distort markets or give certain countries or fleets an unfair advantage.

All 164 WTO member states are parties to the agreement.

As of March 20, 2025, at least 90 member states had signed it, while 86 had completed the ratification process. The agreement applies to marine wild capture fishing and related activities and will take effect once at least 111 member states have ratified it.

During the meeting, lawmakers raised key questions, including how Kenya stands to benefit economically, the financial implications of ratification, and the status of the country’s fish stock assessment.

Kitayama reassured stakeholders of the committee’s commitment to supporting the industry and urged the National Treasury to allocate sufficient funds to the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries to enhance its capacity.

“This engagement has been very fruitful, and we will support the country in the direction that moves us forward. I request that in your next meeting, you address the issues we have raised,” Kitayama said in his closing remarks.