Our Events
TuFAK Training on Marine Spatial Planning
TuFAK organized a training for its members on Marine Spatial Planning. This took place on 1st and 2nd December 2021, at Bamburi Beach Hotel for 28 members of the network. The training was facilitated by Dr. Jackline Uku from Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute and Charles Dadu, County Executive Committee (CEC) Physical Planning County Government of Kilifi. In attendance was the Deputy Commissioner National Land Commission (NLC) who made a presentation on the Process of marine spatial planning in the country. The purpose of this training was to enable members of the Alliance to have a broad understanding of what MSP is and its importance and relationship in securing fisheries management spaces and fisheries rights including those of local coastal fisher communities.
Handover of small scale fisheries value chain equipements
Handover of small scale fisheries value chain equipements to Mtwapa and Takaungu BMU in Kilifi County
Training on Marine Spatial Planning
TuFAK organized a training for its members on Marine Spatial Planning. This took place on 1st and 2nd December 2021, at Bamburi Beach Hotel for 28 members of the network. The training was facilitated by Dr. Jackline Uku from Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute and Charles Dadu, County Executive Committee (CEC) Physical Planning County Government of Kilifi. In attendance was the Deputy Commissioner National Land Commission (NLC) who made a presentation on the Process of marine spatial planning in the country. The purpose of this training was to enable members of the Alliance to have a broad understanding of what MSP is and its importance and relationship in securing fisheries management spaces and fisheries rights including those of local coastal fisher communities
Webinar on World Oceans Day
TuFAK participated in a webinar in celebration for World Oceans Day 2021. The theme for the webinar was -The Ocean: Life & Livelihoods. This virtual event was organized by Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KeMRI), the Kenya National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the UNESCO Regional Office for eastern Africa. The aim of the webinar was to sensitize the stakeholders on the threats to ocean health, opportunities, research, conservation, management and monitoring interventions and sustainable nature-based livelihood initiatives.
Development and implementation of TUFAK capacity building plan
From 28-29th June 2022, TUFAK engaged its members in the development and implementation of a capacity building plan. About 30 participants from its member organisations participated. The capacity building plans are critical in the implementation of the TUFAK funded project entitled, "Unlocking a sustainable blue economy in the Southwest Indian Ocean region". TUFAK will engage the national government through policy recommendations on sustainable blue economy for the socioeconomic wellbeing of fishing communities along the Kenyan coast
Developing of TuFAK engagement Strategy
30 members of the network have convened in reef hotel mombasa to develop a 3 year strategy for the network
Workshop on developing TUFAK engagement Strategy
TUFAK convened at the Reef Hotel in Mombasa from June 30 to 01 July 2022 to develop TUFAK engagement Strategy. About 30 members drawn from the network and several others from governmental, and private sectors participated in the event. The engagement strategy will provide a framework for engaging with stakeholders within the coastal, and marine domain from 2022-2026.
Western Indian Ocean Region, 'Introductory Training Course on Marine Protected Area Management'
Elijah Ngoa from TuFAK, participated in the WIO region, "Introductory Training Course on Marine Protected Area Management at the Rhodes University, in South Africa. The course is prerequisite for individuals engaged in coastal and marine conservation in the region.
Webinar assessing the foundations for delivering a sustainable blue economy in the SWIO region
WWF Madagascar the regional coordination unit of the SWIO Sustainable Blue economy project conducted a webinar on the report, “Assessing the foundations for delivering a sustainable blue economy in the SWIO region” on 24th August 2022. The meeting was jointly organized by SWIOTUNA, a regional CSO platform focusing on sustainable management and development of marine fisheries in the region. The purpose of the webinar was to present the findings of the assessment study which was conducted the consulting consortium-RESOLVE-SUSTAIN VALUE. The baseline report will guide TuFAK and other CSOs in engaging with national governments on sustainable blue economy policies and plans.
INDIAN OCEAN BY CATCH MITIGATION WORKSHOP FOCUSED ON DRIFT GILLNETS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
WWF organized a bycatch mitigation workshop focused on drift-gillnets in the Indian Ocean. The meeting was jointly co-hosted with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission-the leading Regional fisheries management body responsible for sustainable management and tuna and related species in the Indian Ocean region. The virtual meeting was conducted from 29th -31st August 2022.The workshop was undertaken virtually using a zoom platform running for 4 hours a day. By catch is a significant threat to marine biodiversity especially for multi-taxa fisheries, and thus, the aim of the workshop is to highlight the up to date scientific work of the by-catch species composition from drift gillnet fisheries in the Indian Ocean region, as well as detailed recommendations for mitigating bycatch especially of threatened species such as sharks, rays, turtles and cetaceans. About 85 participants from the Indian Ocean region and worldwide are attending the workshop.
Build systemic collective action capacity of the community members and constituents on the environment and social safeguard for World Bank for effective policy influence
TUFAK through joint funding from the Community Resource Exchange and WWF-Kenya conducted a two day workshop in Shimoni. The aim of the workshop was to build the capacity of community members on the world bank environment and social safeguards, as well as to learn advocacy from SRI LANKAN CSOs (Sri Lanka Nature Group, and International Accountability project) on the approaches they applied to stop the sustainable fisheries development project in Northern Sri Lanka. 31 members participated in the event
WWF’s Results Sharing and Low-Cost Data Collection and MCS Workshop for Small-Scale Fisheries in South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) and SADC Region 14-17 November 2022
WWF through the SWIO programme conducted a workshop on Baseline studies key findings sharing (IUU, Blue economy and fisheries governance) and low cost data collection and MCS for small scale fisheries in the SWIO and SADC region from 14-17, November 2022. Through the programme titled, “unlocking a sustainable blue economy in the Southwest Indian Ocean Region” WWF and CSO partners intends to influence the adoption and implementation of sustainable blue economy plans/policies as well as advocate for the adoption of tools and frameworks for addressing IUU fishing in the SWIO region. 16 countries are represented at the conference
The 4th World Small Scale Fisheries Congress, Cape Town, South Africa
TUFAK was represented at the 4WSFC in Cape Town, South Africa. The congress theme for the 4WSFC AFRICA, ‘Leading by Examples: Leaderships for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries,’ recognizes the many examples, lessons and experiences that individual, communities, governments, inter-governmental organizations, and other supporting institutions have in the efforts to build and enhance capacity for sustainable small-scale fisheries. The 4WSFC Africa congress was organized around six main topics (Leaders in action research, leaders in blue justice, leaders in business and social innovation, leaders in climate friendly food systems, leaders in community based conservation) to demonstrate how existing and potential leaderships in small-scale fisheries can lead to better mutual outcomes.
Regional CSO Workshop Garden Court, Cape Town, South Africa – 24th & 25th November 2022
Participants were from the CSOs within the SWIO seascape including Madagascar, Comoros, Tanzania and Kenya. The Objectives of the workshop were: • To share, inform and strengthen WWF and its partners’ knowledge on WWF's social policies, environmental and social safeguards principles, social cross-cutting issues (gender, HRBA, Conflict), as well as budgeting and financial management tools; • To exchange experiences between participants on challenges, good practices and needs on the above principles, policies and tools; and • To encourage partners to consider the recommendations of social policies, environmental and social safeguards principles and cross-cutting aspects in their modus operandi. • Identify how CSO partners view WWF’s role and what their long-term needs are; • Identify priority areas for collective action for 2023; and • Identify the risks that CSOs face and the impacts of the risks on the populations affected by their advocacy, including how best to ensure CSOs represent coastal communities views in policy fora and how we can improve the two way flow of information ? Focus on Sustainable Blue Economy (due to time sensitivity of the issue and building on the CSO workshop held in Tanzania) • Identify the needs for CSOs to advocate effectively in high-level policy forums for improved fisheries management and how best CSOs could engage with SWIO countries to voice the concerns; o Focus on developing a deeper understanding of the processes of Indian Ocean Tuna Commission o Identification of key events and dates and engagement with SWIO countries o Validating CSO power mapping in the SWIO region and sharing broader power analysis to demonstrate critical elements influencing decision making in IOTC
Workshop on developing TUFAK Advocacy Strategy
TUFAK through funding from WWF Kenya under the Sustainable Blue Economy project conducted a two day workshop from 13-14th Dec 2022 to develop its advocacy plan. The advocacy plan will enable the alliance to lobby with the national government for the implementation of the regional Minimum terms and conditions (MTCs) guidelines for granting access to foreign fishing vessels targeting tuna and tuna-like species in the Kenyan EEZ waters. In attendance were 12 participants (6men and 6women), mainly from the CSOs along the Kenyan coast. The keynote speaker was Mr. Benedict Kiilu from the Kenya Fisheries Service, Mombasa, Kenya.
IOTC 11th Meeting of the technical committee on allocation criteria (TCAC 11) and Special session 6 on Management of fish aggregated devices (FADs)
TuFAK participated at the IOTC 11th Meeting of technical committee on allocation criteria and the IOTC special session 6 on the management Fish aggregated devices (FADs). The TCAC 11 aimed at developing Total allowable catches for the EEZ, and high seas in the IOTC area of competence for the CPCs. The IOTC special session 6 aimed at developing specific resolutions for managing both Anchored FADs and Drifting FADs which are associated with high juvenile mortalities of yellowfin and bigeye tuna in the IOTC area of competence.
National Validation of the National Blue Economy Strategy, in Naivasha, Kenya
TuFAK participated at the national validation of the national blue economy strategy at lake Naivasha Resort. The chief guest was the CS for mining, blue economy and maritime affairs-Hon. Salim Mvurya. Participation was from the national government line ministries, County governments, development partners, national blue economy resources associations, regional blue economy resources associations, CBOs and other experts.
ENGAGMENT MEETING WITH KENYA FISHERIES SERVICE ON REVIEWING THE TUNA FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
On 6th February 2023, the Tuna fisheries alliance of Kenya (TuFAK) had an engagement meeting with Kenya fisheries service to discuss the progress towards reviewing the Tuna fisheries management and development strategy. The meeting was conducted at the Kenya fisheries service office in Mombasa. The Agenda of the meeting was as follows: 1) Overview of the sustainable blue economy project being implemented by TuFAK 2) Implementation of TuFAK capacity building plan and advocacy strategy 3) Way forward on the Tuna fisheries management and development strategy (2013-2018) 4) Framework for implementing the MTCs guidelines with a specific focus on articles 21-on landing, 22-on Bycatch and discards, 23-on crews, and article 24 on working conditions on board fishing vessels 5) How can TUFAK and Kenya fisheries service engage in reviewing the strategy?
CSO Governance and Leadership Training
TuFAK participated at the Governance and Leadership training from 21-24 March at Nyali Sun Africa Beach Hotel. The training was organized and facilitated by WWF Kenya, and targeted persons in leadership positions including CSO coordinators, and board members.
Regional Workshop on Promoting Transparency for Sustainable Marine Fisheries through Collective Actions in the SWIO Region.
TuFAK was represented at the Regional Workshop on Promoting Transparency for Sustainable Marine Fisheries through Collective Actions in the SWIO Region on 29 and 30th of March at Eden Bleu Hotel, Eden Island, Seychelles. The Regional workshop was jointly organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy of Seychelles, WWF and the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI).
CSO Advocacy Capacity Building Workshop at Eden Bleu Hotel, Seychelles
TuFAK was represented at the CSOs Advocacy Capacity Building Workshop on 31st of March at Eden Bleu Hotel, Eden Island, Seychelles. The workshop is organized by WWF through the SWIO Sustainable Blue Economy programme.
Workshop on Developing TuFAK Sustainable Blue Economy Policy Brief
Through the project on unlocking a Sustainable Blue Economy in the SWIO, TuFAK conducted a two-day workshop in Mombasa on the 4th and 5th of May 2023 at Nyali Muthu Beach Hotel & Spa to develop a TuFAK policy brief on Sustainable Blue Economy. In attendance at the workshop included 26 participants drawn from the CSOs, beach management units (BMUs), and community-based organizations. The workshop was facilitated by two members of the network namely Dr. John Kareko from NATURECOM and Mr. Nyaga Kanyange from COMRED. The purpose of the workshop was to collectively develop a TuFAK policy brief on Sustainable Blue Economy. The policy brief will be used by TuFAK for engaging the national government to develop and implement Sustainable Blue Economy plans which include; gender sensitivity, inclusivity, and climate change.
TuFAK Workshop on Minimum Terms and Conditions (MTCs) for Granting Foreign Fishing Access in the Southwest Indian Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) Region
Tuna Fisheries Alliance of Kenya (TuFAK) conducted a three-day training workshop for its members and partners on the Minimum Terms and Conditions of SWIOFC for granting foreign fishing access from the 14th to 16th of June 2023 at Mombasa Continental Resort, Shanzu. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Benedict Kiilu and Eric Thuranira from Kenya Fisheries Service. In attendance were TuFAK members drawn from the Beach Management Units, Nongovernmental organizations, and Coastal Women in fisheries entrepreneurship (CWIFE) mainly drawn from, the Coastal Counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu. The training workshop aimed at equipping the TuFAK membership with the capacity to effectively advocate for the implementation of the MTCs in the Country, which is also crucial for achieving the Sustainable Blue Economy programme outcome on ensuring fair and equitable access to sustainable fisheries resources in the region is facilitated through a collective approach, united and influential voice in negotiations and decision making by the SWIO governments.
Regional Training Workshop on Ocean Policy and Advocacy, improving Negotiation Skills, Knowledge Management and Communication in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) Region
Four TuFAK members attended a training workshop on Ocean policy, and advocacy, improving Negotiation Skills, Knowledge Management and Communication in South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) Region. The training workshop was organized with financial support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) through the Sustainable Blue Economy and Fisheries Programme (SWIO-SBE Programme). The training workshop was facilitated by regional/international experts that provided technical input and insights on the various aspects related to the selected themes. The participants from the workshop were expected to develop their country specific advocacy strategies addressing issues of MTCs and IUU fishing in line with the SBE programme.
Training Workshop on Sustainable Blue Economy
WWF-Kenya in collaboration with SWIOTUNA, undertook a training workshop on Sustainable Blue Economy from the 26th to 28th of September 2023 at Travellers Beach Hotel Mombasa. The main objective of the training was to increase the participants understanding on the system of blue economy, envision a goal for the blue economy and access to financial resources to improve the blue economy sector. The training was facilitated by a national expert from WWF who provided the technical input and insight on the various aspects related to the topics and themes of SBE. The workshop was attended by 37 participants from the government, CSOs, small-scale fisherfolks, BMUs, private sector and media. At the end of the workshop each participant left with a strengthened understanding of the Sustainable Blue Economy. They mentioned that not only did the training enhance their understanding but also ignited a vision for sustainable blue economy. They also emphasized the critical need for improved access to financial resources to boost the Blue Economy sector. They all agreed to disseminate this knowledge and insight to the grassroots communities so as to empower these communities with the tools and awareness needed to participate actively in the Sustainable Blue Economy.
WORKSHOP ON THE INDEPENDENT PRE-REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL TUNA FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Tuna Fisheries Alliance of Kenya (TuFAK) conducted an independent pre-review of the Tuna Fisheries Management and Development Strategy (2013-2018), at Mombasa Continental Resort, Shanzu from the 20th to 22nd of September 2023. In attendance at the workshop were 23 participants drawn from the TuFAK membership, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, the government, and the media. The workshop was supported through the WWF SWIO Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) programme with funding from NORAD. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Hadley Becha (TuFAK chairperson), Mr. Elijah Ngoa (TuFAK coordinator), and Mr. John Kareko. The workshop was undertaken in preparation for an effective review of the tuna fisheries management and development strategy by the government of Kenya. The independent pre-review of the strategy informed on issues that CSOs would suggest for incorporation in the National Tuna Fisheries Management and Development Strategy in the review by Kenya Fisheries Service. The output of the three-day meeting was a joint advisory paper regarding the review of the National Tuna Fisheries Management and Development Strategy (2023-2028).
WORKSHOP BROADENING STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT FOR EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY TOWARDS PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY AND FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT IN COASTAL KENYA
Tuna Fisheries Alliance of Kenya (TuFAK) through the project, “Unlocking a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) Region conducted a three-day multi-stakeholder engagement workshop titled, "Broadening Stakeholder Engagement for Effective Advocacy towards Promoting Sustainable Blue Economy and Fisheries Development in Coastal Kenya," at Muthu Nyali Beach Hotel, and Spa, Mombasa on 15th to 17th of November 2023. In attendance at the workshop were stakeholders from the private sector, civil society groups, government officials, and the media fraternity. It was a cross-cutting workshop tackling the key project themes of Sustainable Blue Economy, Minimum Terms and Conditions (MTCs) Guidelines for granting foreign fishing access, and IUU fishing. The workshop therefore contributed towards achieving the project's outcomes 1, 3, and 4. TuFAK may update its advocacy strategy based on the recommendations from the three-day workshop.
SENSITIZATION MEETING FOR MTWAPA BEACH MANAGEMENT MEMBERSHIP ON THE MTCs GUIDELINES AS A TOOL FOR ADDRESSING IUU FISHING AND INCREASING SOCIOECONOMIC BENEFITS TO THE FISHING COMMUNITIES
On 28th of March 2024, Tuna Fisheries Alliance of Kenya conducted a sensitization meeting to the Mtwapa BMU on the implementation of MTCs guidelines as a tool for addressing IUU fishing and increasing socioeconomic benefits for the fishing communities. In attendance at the meeting were the Mtwapa BMU members including men and women. The meeting also entailed briefing the small-scale fishers concerning the coming IOTC session 28 to be held in Thailand in May 2024, whereby TuFAK collected views from the community including key messages to be taken to the state department of fisheries to support sustainable management and development of the tuna fisheries. 5. Emerging Issues and Key recommendations ? The government, and non-state actors should undertake adequate sensitization to the BMUs on the importance of collecting, and submitting credible fish catch data; ? Small-scale fisheries have limited capacity to venture into commercial deep sea fishing be beyond 12 nautical miles, hence the government, and non-state actors should capacity build, and equip the fishers with ultra-modern fishing vessels and gear to undertake commercial exploitation of resources; ? The small-scale fishers noted that there is a possibility that many fishers along the Kenyan coast are not aware of how tuna resources are managed, hence the need for more sensitization, and capacity building; ? The small-scale fishers noted that several BMUs members have received capacity building pieces of trainings on digital data collection, and thus the government support the installation ICT, and other low cost tools for fish data collection; ? The BMU members noted that government should advocate for the adoption of stringent measures to be adopted by parties at the IOTC to prevent IUU fishing and the ecosystem degradation due to destructive fishing practices; ? The government should prioritize seeking employment opportunities for local fishers in both local and foreign commercial vessels especially for those that have been trained locally on commercial deep sea fishing; ? The government should adopt strict regulations requiring the fish gear manufacturing companies to be licensed and regulated by the Kenya Fisheries Service to prevent the entry of illegal gears into the fisheries sector; ? The government should designate fishing zones for industrial vessels which frequently damages artisanal fishing gears, and degrade coastal ecosystems especially through trawling activities; ? The criteria of a vessel to be included into the IOTC register of vessels should amended and include vessels even those below 24m as some have higher engine powers and capable of maneuvering beyond 12nm. ? The IOTC should support capacity building of coastal states to collect and submit tuna fisheries catch data especially from the artisanal fleets that largely target the neritic species including, Kawakawa, Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel, Dorado etc. ? The IOTC should support member countries to implement Port state measures agreement as well to operationalize vessel monitoring system (VMS) for the purposes of deterring IUU fishing with IOTC area of competence.
SECTOR DIALOGUE FORUM ON THE SESA FOR THE NATIONAL MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING PROCESS FROM 15TH TO 16TH APRIL 2024 @CDA, KILIFI COUNTY
MSP will be subjected to Strategic Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (SESA) which will enable a baseline situation analysis and an understanding of the prevailing conditions of the marine environment to inform the development of the MSP. The objectives of the meeting were: ? To sensitize NGOs and CSOs on the importance and benefits of the MSP process for sustainable marine resource management. ? To develop a shared vision with NGOs and CSOs for the MSP process in Kenya for alignment of organizational mandates to national goals and BE priorities. ? To strengthen the capacity of NGOs and CSOs to actively participate in and contribute to the SESA for the MSP process. ? To acquire comprehensive and relevant data for supporting the SESA for evidence-based decision-making on the development of the marine spatial plan. ? To establish mechanisms for long-term engagement and collaboration with NGOs and CSOs to ensure their ongoing participation, feedback, and support throughout the MSP process and its implementation. Additionally, the MSP secretariat will engage NGOs/CSOs to provide specific data from their organizations that will contribute to the technical studies that will inform the SESA for MSP. A summary of the types of data required for the technical studies for the review and preparation of the SESA for the MSP was shared during the forum. The forum was conducted from 15th to 16th April 2024 at the Coast Development Authority in Kilifi
Stakeholders Meeting for the Review of the Kenya Tuna Fisheries Development and Management Strategy 2013-2018 at Northcoast Beach Hotel, Kikambala.
Towards the end of May 2024, TuFAK participated and contributed to the stakeholders meeting for the review of the national tuna fisheries management and development strategy convened by the state Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries. TuFAK has reviewed and submitted comments on the first draft the national tuna fisheries management and development strategy. The adoption of a revised tuna fisheries management and development strategy is in line with the TuFAK Advocacy Strategy on MTCs/IUU fishing.
WEBINAR- Sand Mining: Risks and opportunities for global sustainability
TuFAK secretariat was among the panelist and shared some perspectives concerning seabed sand mining in coastal Kenya- its impacts on the environment, livelihoods, and food security, and the advocacy work that is being undertaken by CANCO about the issue. The Webinar was co-organized with SwedBio, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management on the 16th of February, 2024.
The Kenya National Tuna Management Workshop Held on the 27th – 28th February 2024 at the Travellers Beach Hotel, Mombasa. TuFAK was a panelist and elaborated on the role of CSOs in promoting Sustainable Management and Development of Tuna Fisheries.
TuFAK contributed to the national tuna fisheries management workshop organized by the State Department of Blue Economy and WWF Kenya that was held on the 27th and 28th of February 2024 in Mombasa. TuFAK was a panelist and presented on the role of civil society in promoting tuna fisheries management and development in the country. The recommendations adopted at the workshop will inform the review of the national tuna fisheries management and development strategy.
Assessment of the status of implementation of the FAO small-scale fisheries guidelines in Kenya through focused group discussions held on the 29th of May 2024.
TuFAK conducted a focused group discussion to assess the adoption, implementation, and operationalization of the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines as well as the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture. The exercise as to inform a larger research for the SWIO region on the same, the findings of the research will be a tool for engagement with the government both local and national to push for adoption, implementation and operationalization of these guidelines as well as the areas of improvement in the current laws and policies as a way of advocating for the rights of the small scale fishers
UNDP-CANCO Baseline Assessment and Site Strategy Development Stakeholders Consultation Meeting on 24th of June 2024
TuFAK on 24th of June participated and contributed at the UNDP-CANCO Baseline Assessment and Site Strategy Development Stakeholders Consultation Meeting. The objective of the meeting was to gather information on the resource base, challenges, and potential solutions for the Bodo Mwandamu, Shimoni, and Vanga seascape. The information collected will be used to review the Shimoni Vanga baseline information and develop a seascape strategy. On the 27th of June, 2024, TuFAK being among the key stakeholders attended the 7th Shimoni-Vanga multistakeholder forum that was held at the KWS hall in Shimoni, Lunga Lunga Sub County. The Shimoni-Vanga multi-stakeholder forum was established in 2020 with the goal of bringing together government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and Beach Management Units (BMUs) within the seascape; to share information, foster unity, and avoid duplication of efforts by stakeholders working in the seascape.
Engagement with BMUs in the Shimoni-Vanga seascape to assess the status of implementation Co-management measures for sustainable fisheries and addressing IUU fishing.
TuFAK through the SBE project conducted engagement meetings with fisher communities from Mwazaro BMU Self-Help Group, Shimoni BMU, Mkwiro, Wasini, Kibuyuni, and Majoreni. The engagement meetings were undertaken in the respective BMU offices within the Shimoni-Vanga seascape. The BMUs under the supervision of the county and national government are supposed to develop and implement fisheries management and conservation measures in line with the existing fisheries legislative, policy, and regulatory frameworks. TuFAK through its advocacy strategy is advocating for the implementation of Minimum Terms and Conditions (MTCs) fisheries access arrangements, and IUU mitigation frameworks, at the national, county, and local levels. The purpose of the two-day event was therefore to: - a) Sensitize the BMU, and community members on the advocacy interventions being pursued by TuFAK towards the adoption and implementation of sustainable blue economy plans/strategies and MTCs fisheries access arrangements; b) Assess the status of adoption and implementation of BMU Bylaws/Co-management plans for Sustainable Management and Conservation of fisheries resources including addressing IUU Fishing.
GloLitter stakeholders’ workshop focusing on the FAO Voluntary Guidelines on fishing Gear Marking, and the IMO's London Convention- London Protocol Regime on Dumping of Wastes at Sea (reference to MARPOL Annex V).
TuFAK participated and Contributed at the GloLitter stakeholders’ workshop focusing on the FAO Voluntary Guidelines on fishing Gear Marking, and the IMO's London Convention- London Protocol Regime on Dumping of Wastes at Sea (reference to MARPOL Annex V) held on 14-16 of August 2024. Kenya is a GloLitter partnering country, and as such will be assisted by IMO through the GloLitter partnership project with the participatory development of legislative amendments to make gear marking a condition for fishing authorization or licenses, and to formally associate and identify gears with a registered fishing vessel and/operator following the voluntary guidelines on the marking of fishing gears. The adoption of the gear marking system will contribute towards achieving MTCs article 16 (marking of fishing gears and vessels). The expected deliverables include the development of national regulations for the implementation of the FAO Voluntary Guidelines on fishing gear marking, and national regulations for the implementation and enforcement of IMO's London Convention- London Protocol regime on dumping of wastes at sea.
Stakeholder engagement meetings concerning the development of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) berth number 23 held on January 23rd 2024 at Royal Castle Hotel, Mombasa.
Several blue economy development projects have been implemented on the Kenyan coast, many of which are likely to impact marine life, and livelihoods of the coastal fishing communities, and these include the Mombasa port development project jointly funded by the government of Kenya and JICA. With funding from WWF TuFAK has participated and contributed in at least two stakeholder consultative engagement meetings, and these include the stakeholders forum for the presentation of the ESIA progress report for the development of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) berth 23 to the west of the existing berth 22. TuFAK jointly with other CSOs participated in the participatory identification of the social, economic & environmental impacts, and mitigation measures for the proposed. The recommendations will be submitted to KPA. TuFAK is increasing its engagement with the media to advance its advocacy interventions on SBE.
Sensitization on the UNDP GEF small grants call for proposals on the 13th of July 2024
Together with its member CANCO, TuFAK conducted a sensitization workshop on the UNDP GEF small grants program in Shimoni Vanga. CANCO the TuFAK chair is currently the UNDP strategic partner for the period 2024 to 2027. The workshop was mainly to inform the members about the open call for proposals and to also guide them on writing of proposals that can attract funding so as to improve biodiversity conservation, and socioeconomic wellbeing. The sensitization meeting brought together 63 community members from Majoreni, Kiwegu, Vanga, and Jimbo. The meeting was delivered in a highly participatory manner, and the language of discussion was Swahili to enable majority of the participants to easily understand. The GEF SGP call for proposal, and the proposal template were printed and distributed search that each of the participant at the meeting had a copy. It was an open discussion meeting and the participants had ample time to engage the meeting facilitators.
Data Analysis and Report Writing Workshop at Slipway Hotel, Dar es Salaam on the 8th, 9th and 11th of June 2024
TuFAK participated and contributed to the Data analysis and report writing workshop at Hotel Slipway, Dar es Salaam on the 8th, 10th, and 11th of June 2024. The purpose of the workshop was to review and analyse the data that had been collected on the assessment of the status of implementation of the FAO SSF voluntary guidelines, and the AU Policy Framework, and Reform Strategy (PFRS) by the 5 CSOs working within the SWIO seascape under from Kenya, Mozambique, Comoros, Mauritius, and Madagascar. The analysed data will be used to generate a report to inform the status of implementation of the FAO SSF voluntary guidelines in the SWIO region crucial for strengthening the management of SSF in the SWIO region.
Africa Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Dar es Salaam on the 5th to 7th of June 2024
TuFAK participated at the Africa Small-scale fisheries Summit at Mlimani City conference center in Dar es Salaam on the 5th to 7th of June 2024. The event was convened by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Republic of Tanzania with funding from among others, the FAO, African Union, and WWF. The event was undertaken to commemorate the ten years of implementation of the FAO small-scale fisheries voluntary guidelines, and the African Union Policy Framework and Reform Strategy on Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit
On the 2nd to 4th of October 2024, TuFAK attended the Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit. The summit was convened by Sote Hub in partnership with other institutions and development partners including among others, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs, Viffa Consult, Fie Consult, County Government of Mombasa, East Africa Venture Capital Association (EAVC), and the Blue Radio. The Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit was a three day event that aimed at expanding knowledge and opportunities that will foster the growth of the blue economy. The event in particular delved into sectors in which there are the greatest possible employment effects for women and youth– such as renewable energies, eco-tourism, circular economy, and waste management including biomass, sustainable agriculture and agricultural processing, Blue Economy (BE) and sectors with “green business models” in traditional sectors, such as transport & logistics or omo77. The summit attracted participants from the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, civil society groups, community interest groups, national and county governments, as well as from the development partners.
Inception Meeting of the Project on Promoting Community-Based Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration at Mreroni Village
On the 21st of January 2025, Tuna Fisheries Alliance of Kenya (TuFAK) conducted the project inception meeting for the Embassy of Ireland funded project on, “Promoting Community-Based Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration at Mreroni Village. The Mreroni Umoja Self Help is the beneficiary of the project. The purpose of the inception meeting was take the participants through the project implementation framework, and provide an overview of each of the activities that was going to be undertaken. A total of 43 participants attended the meeting which included the TuFAK team, media, representation from the Mombasa-Kilindini Community Forest Association, and the Mreroni Umoja Self Help Group Members. The meeting was facilitated by project manager (Mr. Elijah Ngoa).
Basic Community Level Training For the Mreroni Self Help Group on Leadership and Governance
On the 22nd of January 2025, Tuna Fisheries Alliance of Kenya (TuFAK) conducted a community level training for the Mreroni Self-Help Group on Leadership and Governance at Mreroni Village. The training was undertaken with funding from the Embassy of Ireland Kenya funded project to TuFAK. To ensure effective delivery of the project through adequate cooperation among the community members at the project site, enhancing the community capacity on leadership and governance was identified as crucial during the project development. However, further capacity building will be undertaken during the project implementation, and the project management team will take advantage of the weekly meetings being undertaken by the group to implement its activities to provide capacity building sessions. The skills acquired from the training will be crucial for addressing conflicts among the group members beyond the project implementation period. In attendance at the meeting were 42 participants which including 39 community members, and 3 TuFAK members including the facilitators. The training was facilitated by Ms. Ruth Kadide from Media for Nature, and Mr. Elijah Ngoa.
Participatory Mapping and Marking of Mangrove Deforested Areas for Mangrove Planting and Selection of Sites for Beekeeping at Mreroni
On the 18th and 20th of February, 2025, the TuFAK team in collaboration with a selected member of the Mreroni Self Help Group conducted a participatory mapping exercise to identify mangrove deforested and degraded areas for restoration at Mreroni. The mapping exercise involved the community members with a rich history of the area in terms of when the deforestation occurred, and the causes. The mangrove restoration activity aims to restore at least 14,000-16,000 mangroves by the end of the project. The species targeted for restoration at Mreroni are; Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora mucronata, and Ceriops tagal. The Mreroni Self Help Group have a mangrove nursery, and thus all the mangrove saplings for the restoration exercise will be obtained from the group. In addition to that, the activity also identified the areas that will be used for bee keeping, and based on best practices from other initiatives along the Kenyan coast, the Avicennia marina zone is the most preferred zone for housing beehives due to its huge canopy ensuring there is ample shade for safeguarding the beehives from extreme sun rays which may interfere with the behaviour and ecology of the bees.
Amplifying Environmental Voices: A Media Dialogue on Responsible Reporting
On the 27th of May TuFAK attended a vibrant media dialogue organized by the Media for Nature under the theme, “Amplifying Environmental Voice: A media Dialogue on Responsible Reporting” that was held at Blue Radio Hub Mtopanga Estate headquarters. The meeting attracted over 90 participants, both online and onsite including: Journalists and content creators (radio, TV, digital, print); Environmental NGOs and researchers; Government stakeholders; Climate and conservation activists; University journalism and environmental science students. The Key Highlights from the Dialogue ? The importance of packaging environmental stories in ways that resonate with diverse audiences ? Calls for stronger collaboration between journalists, scientists, and communities to ensure accurate, solution-driven reporting ? Emphasis on stakeholder networking to sustain the dissemination of research findings ? Plans for grassroots-level follow-up dialogues
Amplifying Environmental Voices: A Media Dialogue on Responsible Reporting
On the 27th of May TuFAK attended a vibrant media dialogue organized by the Media for Nature under the theme, “Amplifying Environmental Voice: A media Dialogue on Responsible Reporting” that was held at Blue Radio Hub Mtopanga Estate headquarters. The meeting attracted over 90 participants, both online and onsite including: Journalists and content creators (radio, TV, digital, print); Environmental NGOs and researchers; Government stakeholders; Climate and conservation activists; University journalism and environmental science students. The Key Highlights from the Dialogue ? The importance of packaging environmental stories in ways that resonate with diverse audiences ? Calls for stronger collaboration between journalists, scientists, and communities to ensure accurate, solution-driven reporting ? Emphasis on stakeholder networking to sustain the dissemination of research findings ? Plans for grassroots-level follow-up dialogues
ASSESSING THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF A TuFAK CAPACITY BUILDING PLAN ON MTCs AND THE ENGAGEMENT WITH KENYA FISHERIES SERVICE
On the 25th to 26th of June 2025, TuFAK conducted a two-day workshop at Hotel Comster in Mtwapa to assess the status of implementation of the TuFAK capacity building plan on MTCs, which also included an engagement meeting with the Kenya Fisheries Service through an exchange visit to determine the well-being of its Monitoring, Control and Surveillance system which is crucial for addressing the problem of IUU fishing. 27 participants from NGOs, community-based organizations, beach management units, and the Kenya Fisheries Service attended the workshop.
LEVERAGING MEDIA ADVOCACY TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY IN KENYA
TuFAK on the 27th of June 2025, conducted a workshop titled, "Leveraging Media Advocacy to Promote Sustainable Blue Economy in Kenya" at Hotel Comster in Mtwapa-Kilifi South. In attendance at the workshop were 36 participants drawn from nongovernmental organizations, media, community-based organizations, beach management units, the private sector, and the national government. The event was undertaken with financial support from the government of Norway through the WWF SWIO Sustainable Blue Economy Programme. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Elijah Ngoa (TuFAK Coordinator) and Mr. Mazera Ndurya (Media for Nature).
KENYA FISHERIES SERVICE AND TuFAK/SWIOTUNA IOTC TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON ALLOCATION CRITERIA (TCAC 15 JOINT PRE-PLANNING MEETING AT BLISS RESORT IN MOMBASA
On the 9th of July, the Kenya Fisheries Service, TuFAK and SWIOTUNA conducted a joint preplanning meeting in preparation for the IOTC TCAC 15 to be held in Zanzibar from the 14th to 17th of July 2025. The CSOs under the SWIO Sustainable Blue Economy are advocating for the adoption and implementation of a TCAC that will enhance fair and equitable fisheries, and also give special consideration to the coastal developing states. In attendance at the meeting were senior government officials, including the Director Generals of the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), together with other senior officers from the respective state agencies, the State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries, and the Secretariats of Tuna Alliance of Kenya (TuFAK) and South West Indian Ocean Tuna Forum (SWIOTUNA). The meeting was facilitated by John Kareko from SWIOTUNA.
15TH MEETING OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON ALLOCATION CRITERIA HELD IN ZANZIBAR AT THE GOLDEN TULIP AIRPORT HOTEL AND SPA
From July 14 to 17, 2025, the IOTC conducted the IOTC TCAC 15 in Zanzibar to continue the discussions on allocation, as guided by the work plan adopted at TCAC 13 in Bangkok in 2024. The IOTC TCAC 15 discussions focused on the agenda provided, with key discussions primarily based on the information papers shared by the IOTC chair, focusing on transferability, catch attribution, and RFMO jurisdiction. A transparent and equitable allocation framework will be integral to the long-term sustainable management and development of the region’s fisheries. The meeting was hybrid, and some of the CPCs that could not participate physically contributed virtually. Several accredited observers participated in person, including the SWIOTUNA, ISFACT, and IPNLF etc. In total, more than 100 people participated physically at the IOTC meeting in Zanzibar. A summary of the key discussions from the meeting have been provided focusing key emerging issues on; reference years, special requirements for developing states, baseline, compliance, the process for drafting the resolution, discussion on options for TCAC 16, and the dates for the TCAC 16 meeting to be held in Australia from the 4th to 6th of February 2026. The meeting was concluded with the adoption of the report of the 15th Session of the Technical Committee on Allocation Criteria (TCAC) (IOTC–2025–TCAC15–R), which was adopted on the 17th of July 2025.
ENGAGEMENT MEETING WITH THE KILIFI COUNTY DIRECTORATE OF FISHERIES AT THE DIRECTORATE OFFICE IN KILIFI
On the 10th of April 2025, TuFAK members led by the TuFAK secretariat and CANCO undertook an engagement meeting with the Kilifi County Directorate of Fisheries. The meeting was held at the Director's office. The county director of fisheries and a county fisheries officer were in attendance at the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to familiarize the County Directorate of Fisheries with the kind of work that TuFAK and CANCO are undertaking concerning sustainable fisheries, community capacity building, and policy influence advocacy. The meeting was highly participatory and each of the participants present was able to express his views adequately. The meeting also aimed at fostering collaboration between the County Directorate of Fisheries and TuFAK members especially on matters of strengthening fisheries co-management in the county, and assisting the county with resources for reviewing its policies.
SECOND PHASE MANGROVE PLANTING EXERCISE AT MRERONI VILLAGE
On the 15th to 18th of April 2025 TuFAK in collaboration with Mreroni Self-Help Group members undertook the second mangrove planting phase at the Mreroni mangrove restoration project site. The exercise was a continuation of the first exercise which we planted 4000 saplings of Ceriops tagal mangrove species on about 1.5ha of land. The project targets to plant at least 16,000 mangrove seedlings by the end of the project. For, the second mangrove planting phase, approximately 4,000 species (3000 Rhizophora mucronata, and 1,000 Ceriops tagal) species were planted. The mangrove restoration success rate is very high during the rainy season due to influx of huge amounts of freshwater and nutrients into the mangrove wetland. The rain season is expected to last for 2 additional months and thus we are anticipating to plant additional 8,000 mangrove species by the end of July 2025.
PROJECT MONITORING AND THE 3RD PHASE REHABILITATION OF THE IDENTIFIED DEFORESTED AND DEGRADED MANGROVE AREAS AT MRERONI
TuFAK on the 2nd to 4th of June undertook a participatory project monitoring and the 3rd phase mangrove planting at Mreroni village. TuFAK through the Embassy of Ireland Kenya funded project intends to restore mangroves, and support the Mreroni Self-Help Group to implement sustainable livelihood initiatives through beekeeping. So far TuFAK and the Mreroni group have planted a total of 12,000 mangroves, and participatory monitoring is ongoing to ensure a higher success rate, and achieve the projects intended targets. About supporting the community group to adopt sustainable livelihoods, TuFAK has provided the group with 20 large Langstroth beehives which have a potential to generate at least 200 Liters of honey per harvest provided there is adequate forage for the bees. At the time of the monitoring we observed that at least 3 beehives had been colonized by bees. The ongoing rains to some extent affects the fast colonization of the bees due to limited movements by the bees. We anticipate that during the sunny days in the upcoming months, all the beehives will be fully colonized by the bees.
Provision of Beehives to the Mreroni Umoja Self-Help in Mombasa
TuFAK through the Embassy of Ireland funded a project on promoting mangrove conservation at Mreroni, Jomvu Sub County, Mombasa aims at improving the livelihoods of the Mreroni Self-Help Group members undertaking mangrove conservation. TuFAK on April 22nd provided 20 large Langstroth beehives to the group, and installation in the mangrove forest was done afterward. The selection of the alternative livelihood initiative was undertaken in consultation with the Mreroni Self-Help Group and they noted that they have two small beehives which they have never harvested due to lack of skills. The long-term benefits the community will get through mangrove restoration are enhanced fisheries, and resilience to climate change impacts through the provision of fish and crustaceans, and shielding the community from storms.
Project Monitoring and 4th Phase Mangrove Planting at Mreroni, Jomvu Sub-County
In collaboration with the Mreroni self-help group, TuFAK on the 7th and 8th of August 2025 planted 5,000 mangrove seedlings comprising 800 Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and 4,200 Rhizophora mucronata species. TuFAK, with funding from the Embassy of Ireland, Kenya, has managed to plant 17,000 mangrove plants comprising three species, namely: Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora mucronata, and Ceriops tagal. The mangroves were planted between the months of February and August. The mangrove planting activity was followed by the maintenance of the installed beehives, ensuring the hives were clean and free of pests, and applying some wax to the beehives that had not been colonized by bees. All the mangroves that have been planted under the Embassy of Ireland funding have undergone repeated monitoring, and several dead mangroves have been replaced. The project has undertaken massive sensitization and has mobilized several youths who are now taking part in mangrove planting. The mangrove planting exercise that was conducted in August 2025 was the final under the Embassy of Ireland funding, and the community, as agreed at the commencement of the project, would cover the cost of replacing the dead planted mangrove saplings during the routine monitoring exercises.
MONITORING PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS AT MRERONI
The Embassy of Ireland Kenya funded project on “Promoting Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation for Enhanced Socioecological Resilience at Mreroni” is halfway and more than 12,000 mangroves have been planted, and 20 long Langstroth beehives donated to the Mreroni Self-Help Group (SHG). The present project monitoring activity included a meeting with the Mreroni SHG members focusing on ensuring the sustainability of the project through independent community monitoring, and proper delegation of duties by the community members. It also aimed at assessing the status of the mangrove planted seedlings to determine how many survived, and subsequent replacement of the dead ones. The monitoring activity also looked into the possibility of having learning exchanges with community groups within the Tudor creek undertaking beekeeping to learn of the best practices for replication by the Mreroni SHG.
