The European Union has lifted a ban on Kenya's fish export, Fisheries and Livestock Minister, Joseph Munyao, said earlier this week.
Munyao said the ban was lifted after EU inspectors indicated that Kenya had met all the conditions imposed on its exports two years ago.
Following the new development, all stringent conditions that restricted Kenya's fish exports to the region have now been removed.
Munyao said the lifting of the restrictions will enable Kenya raise its fish exports to the lucrative EU market by an estimated 100 per cent. He expects Kenya's annual exports to hit the Sh16 billion mark.
“This is a breakthrough for Kenya's fish industry. Bilateral trade agreements with individual EU members states will no longer be necessary,†Munyao, told a press conference at his office.
The landmark decision was taken last month by the EU Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health, which upgraded Kenya to list I of the world fish exporters to the EU, effective January 14, 2004. “The decision in effect means that Kenya is amongst those countries and territories from which import of fishery products into the EU is authorized,†Munyao said.
He said the EU arrived at the consensus after satisfactory results of an inspection carried out by the Food and Veterinary of the EU Commission.
Kenya produces approximately 200,000 metric tons of fish annually, worth Sh6.5 billion. Close to 30 per cent (60,000 metric tons) are exported to fish processing countries.
Over the last four years, Kenya has had a limited access to the market due to the restrictions. Concerns relating to compliance with health conditions for production and marketing of fishery products were cited by the EU regulators.
The rigid controls were brought about by the introduction of the Common Market Organization for Fisheries and Aquaculture regulations (EC-regulation No. 104/2000).
These regulations came into effect in 2002, and introduced new requirements for all fish exports. At the time, the rule demanded that all exports must clearly identify the species, the production method and the name of the catch area from a defined list.
However, under the new agreement, the Fisheries department shall be the competent authority to verify and certify compliance of fish products in accordance to the EU standards.
“The decision means that fish imports from Kenya shall qualify for intra-trade in the EU and will undergo less stringent testing at the entry points,†Munyao said.