Kenya's Fishy Export Numbers: A Closer Look

Kenya's trade in ornamental fish is facing some serious issues. A recent report by TRAFFIC has uncovered big differences between what Kenya says it exports and what other countries say they import. This isn't just about numbers; it's about money, the environment, and how well the country is managing this trade. From 2012 to 2023, Kenya claimed to have exported about 2. 4 million kilograms of marine ornamental fish worth $2. 7 million. But the countries importing these fish say they received 1. 7 million kilograms worth $33. 4 million. That's a huge difference, especially in value. This makes people wonder if Kenya is losing out on money or if there's something fishy going on with the numbers.The report also points out that Kenya doesn't have good data on the different species of fish being exported. This makes it hard to know if the trade is harming the environment or the fish populations. Without proper monitoring, there's a risk of overfishing and damaging the marine ecosystems that these fish come from. On top of that, the report found problems with how Kenya manages this trade. There are issues with customs reporting, different agencies not working well together, and not enforcing the rules properly. The report even mentioned that a lot of the fish exported from Tanzania might be going through Kenya. All of this raises questions about how sustainable and fair this trade is. If things don't change, it could hurt the environment, the fish populations, and the people who depend on this trade for their livelihoods.