In Kenya, fish is a vital and affordable source of nutrition, particularly for communities around Lake Victoria. However, overfishing, weak governance, and limited capacity among Beach Management Units (BMUs) continue to threaten the sector’s sustainability.
Zachary Winam
Between 10-11 November, Commonwealth Alumnus Zachary Oreko Winam delivered a workshop to strengthen BMUs and community engagement at Achich Beach Management Unit Hall, Homa Bay Town Sub-County, Homabay County.
Zachary Oreko Winam is the Programme Fisheries Officer at Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP).
Empowering local communities for sustainable fisheries management
Beach Management Units (BMUs) are community-based organisations that co-manage fisheries resources alongside the government, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting sustainable practices.
Established under the Fisheries Management and Development Act (2016) and strengthened by the 2024 Regulations, BMUs oversee data recording, enforcement, permits, conflict resolution, and environmental protection. However, many new members lack formal orientation on their roles and training on the regulations they are responsible for managing.
To address this gap, Zachary delivered a two-day workshop to strengthen BMU capacity in governance, sustainable fishing, and resource management, while promoting regulatory compliance, ecosystem conservation, and collaborative decision-making.
The workshop brought together 20 representatives from five BMUs in Homa Bay County, alongside County Fisheries Officers, Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) technical staff, and conservation partners.
Promoting knowledge sharing and practical solutions
The two-day workshop combined structured technical sessions, participatory discussions, and practical group work led by Zachary, with contributions from fisheries experts and local practitioners. Participants examined key challenges, including illegal fishing, post-harvest losses, and climate impacts on fish stocks.
Zachary facilitating a session
The workshop opened with remarks from Sara Malit, County Executive Committee Member for Blue Economy, Fisheries, Mining and Digital Economy, alongside Mr Kennedy Ojala, the County Chief officer for Blue Economy, Fisheries, Mining and Digital Economy, both senior figures in sustainable fisheries management. They raised the importance of BMU governance and institutional strengthening in managing fisheries resources. This included technical sessions on the 2024 BMU Regulations, including roles and responsibilities, governance structures, gender and youth representation, and the importance of transparency in revenue management.
Day two addressed topics on sustainable fisheries and environmental stewardship, including gear compliance, climate risks, conservation, and alternative livelihoods. The session was supported by representations from the Kenya Fisheries Service and conservation partners. They highlighted the link between sustainable fisheries management and improved livelihoods, exploring income diversification, value addition, and better market access.
The training concluded with a BMU-led group work session to develop action plans, supported by county fisheries and ABDP technical teams.
Next steps and future impact
Zachary conducted pre- and post-training assessments. His findings show clear improvements in governance knowledge, leadership, and communication amongst respondents.
Over 80% of respondents reported a better understanding of BMU roles and decision-making, alongside increased confidence in managing meetings and resolving conflicts. Respondents also reported the immediate application of their skills training, such as improved record-keeping and role allocations.
Following a further three-month follow-up, Zachary has tracked the implementation of the action plans developed during the workshop, identifying successful outcomes and gaps where BMUs require further support.
Plans are underway to scale similar initiatives across other fishing communities, with the long-term goal to strengthen BMUs nationwide, promote responsible fisheries management, and safeguard food security and livelihoods.
Zachary Oreko Winam is a 2019 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholar from Kenya. He completed a MSc in Sustainable Aquaculture at University of St Andrews.
