The Kenya Fisheries Industry Corporation (KFIC) headquarters in Mombasa. PHOTO/UGC.. By ANDREW MWANGURA. [email protected]. For over a year now, the Kenya Fisheries Industry Corporation (KFIC), an essential player in Kenya’s blue economy agenda, has been without permanent leadership.. The position of Chief Executive Officer, which was advertised in December 2022 with interviews held in February 2023, remains unfilled. This protracted delay is not just an oversight – it is a critical failure in governance that risks undermining Kenya’s maritime ambitions.. The importance of the CEO role at KFIC cannot be overstated. This is not simply another bureaucratic appointment, but a pivotal position responsible for transforming Kenya’s fishing industry from its largely artisanal base into a commercially competitive sector capable of thriving on the global stage.. The absence of a substantive CEO at such a crucial moment is putting Kenya’s fisheries sector at a disadvantage, especially as neighbouring countries are making substantial strides in modernising their own fishing industries.. Tanzania, for example, has already upgraded its fishing fleet, while Somalia is rebuilding its maritime sector. In contrast, Kenya is stagnant, struggling to implement basic initiatives without the strong leadership needed to push them forward.. The absence of a CEO has far-reaching consequences. Strategic decisions crucial for the development of the industry remain in limbo. Investment opportunities are being missed, international partnerships are stalled, and most concerning of all, the corporation’s primary mandate – to modernise Kenya’s fishing industry – remains unmet.. This inaction has left our coastal communities, who depend on the fishing sector for their livelihoods, waiting for the transformation they desperately need.. The financial repercussions of this leadership vacuum are equally troubling. As a state-run commercial entity, the Fisheries Corporation requires strong leadership to develop sustainable business models, attract investment, and generate revenue.. Every month that passes without a CEO represents lost opportunities for economic growth. With the blue economy now seen as a vital frontier for national development, this leadership gap is not just an inconvenience; it is a national liability.. The delay also sends a worrying message to potential investors in Kenya’s maritime sector. If we are unable to fill such a crucial position in a timely manner, how can we expect the private sector to invest in the sector with confidence? The reputational damage to both the Fisheries Corporation and Kenya’s maritime sector grows with each month of inaction.. This situation demands urgent answers. What is causing the unprecedented delay in appointing a CEO? Who is accountable for the paralysis at KFIC? How much is this leadership void costing Kenya’s maritime sector? And what impact is it having on our national blue economy strategy?. Firstly, the State Department of Fisheries must provide transparency about the reasons behind this delay. The public has the right to know why a critical position like the CEO of KFIC remains unfilled for such an extended period.. Secondly, Parliament must take action. The relevant oversight committees should call for an explanation from the authorities responsible for the delay and demand a clear timeline for the CEO’s appointment.. Finally, we must reform the public sector appointment processes. The current system, which allows such important roles to remain vacant for months on end, is clearly flawed and in urgent need of review.. The Kenya Fisheries Industry Corporation was established with the clear aim of transforming our fishing industry into a modern, profitable sector that contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy. This ambition cannot be realised without strong and permanent leadership. Every day without a CEO is a day lost in achieving this vital national goal.. As we near the second anniversary of this CEO vacancy, silence is no longer an option. The fishing industry, our coastal communities, and the nation as a whole deserve better. This issue is not just about filling a role – it’s about securing Kenya’s future within the maritime sector.. The ball is now in the government’s court. Will they allow this vital institution to continue without direction, or will they take decisive action to appoint a qualified CEO? The response will speak volumes about Kenya’s commitment to developing its blue economy potential.. The writer is a maritime policy expert.
