January 25, 2007

Prices of fish triple in Kenya due to fish shortage

Prices of fish in Kenya have skyrocketed as a serious fish shortage hit home.

The shortages were most severe in Nyanza and Coast provinces, the largest producers of fish,

The situation has seen a 60 percent increase in prices and could render thousands of workers jobless. Fish exports to the EU are a major revenue earner for the local fish industry. However, the growth of weeds in traditional fishing areas have made fishing almost impossible.

Fisheries officials have warned of tougher times ahead unless the situation improves in the next few months.

Poverty, estimated at 57 per cent in the lake and coastal regions, is likely to go up as the shortage continues.

Most fishermen in the lake have abandoned their nets and gone into farming.

Fish is fast disappearing from hotel menus and residents have resorted to other dishes such as chicken and beef.