The Government of Kenya (GoK), in partnership with the County Government through the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries (SDBE&F), and with support from the World Bank, is implementing the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) Project. This initiative seeks to promote sustainable exploitation of marine resources, enhance fisheries management, and improve socio-economic conditions within coastal communities.
The KEMFSED Project is currently being implemented across five participating counties — Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu — all of which border the Indian Ocean. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to improve the management of priority fisheries and mariculture while increasing access to complementary livelihood activities for coastal populations. Through this initiative, the project intends to strengthen governance structures, enhance fisheries productivity, and promote sustainable economic practices within the blue economy.
As part of its long-term goal to empower coastal communities, the KEMFSED Project is facilitating the distribution of modern offshore fishing boats to qualified community-based organizations. These boats are designed to support deep-sea fishing ventures and to strengthen local capacity for efficient fish harvesting and value chain management.
The boats are being provided to beneficiary entities that demonstrate the ability to manage, operate, and sustain offshore fishing enterprises in line with national fisheries regulations and project guidelines. Kilifi County, under the County Project Implementation Unit (CPIU), now invites proposals from qualified community groups and associations interested in the operation and management of offshore fishing boats.
Boat Specifications
Each fishing vessel provided under this initiative is designed to meet the demands of deep-sea fishing while ensuring safety, durability, and operational efficiency. The key specifications are as follows:
- Type: Multi-day fiber half cabin
- Design: Long-liner/Purse seiner cruiser
- Minimum length: 13.5 meters
- Crew capacity: 10 persons
- Fish hold capacity/load: 12 tonnes
- Engine: Inboard diesel engine with a minimum of 150 horsepower
- Hydraulic winch: 6 tonnes
- Area of operation: Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
These boats are intended for use in offshore and deep-sea fishing operations, targeting large pelagic species within Kenya’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Their design integrates modern fishing technologies and safety features to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Purpose of the Initiative
The provision of these offshore fishing boats serves multiple objectives that align with Kenya’s Blue Economy strategy. Specifically, the initiative aims to:
- Improve fishing capacity by granting community groups access to modern vessels capable of operating in deeper waters.
- Reduce reliance on artisanal and near-shore fishing, which has contributed to overexploitation of inshore resources.
- Enhance storage and handling capacity through improved onboard fish hold facilities.
- Create employment opportunities for coastal youth and local fishers by expanding offshore fishing enterprises.
- Promote food security by increasing the supply of marine fish and related products to both local and national markets.
- Uplift coastal livelihoods through increased income opportunities and equitable benefit sharing among community groups.
- Encourage sustainable fishing practices that comply with fisheries regulations and environmental conservation standards.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth through responsible use of marine resources.
Who May Apply
Eligible entities are invited to submit proposals for consideration. To qualify for allocation and management of the offshore fishing boats, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be affiliated with a recognized Beach Management Unit (BMU).
- Must have a minimum of 30 registered members.
- Must be registered with a Kenyan Government institution and possess a current, valid registration certificate.
- Must have been operational for at least three years.
- Must be willing to abide by the provisions of the Offshore Fishing Boat Enterprise Guidelines (2024).
- Must demonstrate capacity to finance at least 70% of the fuel and other operational costs.
- Must have qualified and trained crew to operate the boat efficiently.
- Must agree to forfeit all rudimentary boats (if owned by members) to the authorities in exchange for the modern vessel.
- Must have valid fishing licenses and proof of fisheries compliance over the past three years.
- Must currently be engaged in profitable fishing operations.
- Must possess a clear business model or plan outlining operational, marketing, and financial strategies.
- Membership should include at least one-third representation of either gender, ensuring inclusivity.
- Must be prepared to sign a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) governing the boat’s management and use.
- Must demonstrate knowledge of offshore fishing grounds and targeted fish species.
- Must provide evidence of active fishing operations, such as records of fish landed, training undertaken, duration of fishing activities, and types of gear used.
- Must provide proof of market linkages for the targeted landed fish.
- Must have access to a designated landing site equipped with basic infrastructure for fish handling and storage.
Responsibilities of the Selected Entities
Once selected, the beneficiary group or organization will be responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of the allocated fishing vessel. The detailed responsibilities include:
- Operational Management – Oversee day-to-day fishing activities, including planning fishing expeditions, managing crew operations, and ensuring compliance with fishing regulations.
- Boat Maintenance – Ensure the vessel is maintained in seaworthy condition at all times through routine servicing, repairs, and safety inspections.
- Crew Welfare and Safety – Ensure the safety, health, and welfare of all crew members during operations, including provision of life-saving equipment, insurance, and adherence to maritime safety regulations.
- Financial Management – Maintain transparent financial records covering income, expenses, fuel, maintenance, and operational costs.
- Compliance and Reporting – Submit regular operational reports to the County Project Implementation Unit, including records of fish catch, sales, and financial statements.
- Environmental Stewardship – Uphold sustainable fishing practices and avoid activities that threaten marine biodiversity.
- Market Linkages – Facilitate timely sale and distribution of harvested fish through established market networks and value chain systems.
- Community Engagement – Ensure equitable benefit distribution among members and maintain accountability to the community.
- Capacity Building – Encourage ongoing training of members in offshore fishing techniques, safety protocols, and value chain management.
- Adherence to the MoU – Operate strictly in accordance with the terms of the signed Memorandum of Understanding, including agreed responsibilities and obligations.
Expected Outcomes
The successful operation of these offshore fishing boats is expected to yield a range of socio-economic and environmental benefits. These include:
- Increased fish production from underexploited offshore stocks.
- Improved earnings and economic empowerment among coastal fishing communities.
- Diversification of fishing activities to reduce pressure on near-shore ecosystems.
- Enhanced food supply and nutritional outcomes for coastal populations.
- Strengthened institutional capacity within BMUs and community organizations.
- Promotion of gender inclusion and youth participation in the fisheries sector.
- Establishment of model community-led offshore fishing enterprises for replication in other counties.
Proposal Submission Requirements
Interested and qualified Community Interest Groups (CIGs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Cooperatives, or Beach Management Units (BMUs) are invited to submit detailed proposals that include:
- A cover letter addressed to the County Project Coordinator indicating interest in managing an offshore fishing vessel.
- A copy of valid registration certificates from relevant government authorities.
- A membership list with at least 30 members, showing gender representation.
- A summary of past fishing activities, including fishing experience, training records, and compliance documentation.
- A comprehensive business plan, outlining operational approach, financial projections, targeted fishing zones, and marketing strategies.
- Proof of financial capacity to cover operational and maintenance costs.
- Evidence of market access, such as supply agreements or letters of intent from buyers.
- A declaration of willingness to comply with project guidelines and to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.
All proposals should be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Proposal for Operation and Management of Offshore Fishing Boat – KEMFSED Project”.
Application Procedure
Completed proposals should be delivered to the Kilifi County Project Implementation Unit (CPIU) office within the specified deadline. The proposals will undergo a review and evaluation process to determine eligibility, operational capacity, and sustainability potential.
Qualified applicants who meet the outlined conditions will be shortlisted and contacted for further verification and possible interviews or assessments. Final selection will be based on merit, readiness, and alignment with the project’s objectives.
Submission Deadline
All proposals must be submitted by the specified deadline indicated in the official project communication channels. Late submissions will not be considered.
Contact Information
For further information or clarification regarding this call for proposals, interested applicants may contact:
The County Project Implementation Unit (CPIU)
State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries
Kilifi County
Email: [Insert Contact Email]
Closing Note
This initiative represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s pursuit of sustainable development within the fisheries sector. By empowering local communities with modern offshore fishing vessels, the KEMFSED Project seeks to transform livelihoods, enhance marine resource management, and strengthen the resilience of coastal economies.
All eligible groups are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the growth of Kenya’s Blue Economy while improving their socio-economic well-being.
