Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has received an immediate flood of public appeals following his appointment to the Kenyan Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, with citizens urging him to prioritise some of the country’s most pressing agricultural and fisheries challenges.

The senator was recently reassigned from the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) as part of a broader reshuffle by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The changes also saw him relinquish his role as Senate Deputy Minority Whip.

Despite the political changes, Sifuna’s new portfolio has placed him at the centre of discussions on issues affecting farmers, fish producers and rural communities across Kenya.

Fish Farmers Seek Fairer Policies

Among the first groups to reach out was the Cage Fish Farmers Association of Kenya, which called on the senator to push for reforms in the country’s fisheries regulations.

The association wants the repeal of the five percent fish-landing levy, arguing that it places an unfair financial burden on fish farmers while benefiting imported fish traders. According to the organisation, the levy acts as a tax on production that is not imposed on other livestock sectors.

The group also questioned the implementation of the Fisheries Management and Development (Aquaculture) Regulations, 2024, claiming previous discussions with government officials had acknowledged the need for significant reforms.

Fish producers say reviewing these policies would improve the competitiveness of Kenya’s aquaculture industry and encourage greater investment in local fish production.

Blue Economy Development in Focus

Sifuna has also been urged to advocate for stronger support of Kenya’s blue economy, particularly around Lake Victoria, where fishing remains a major source of income.

Residents from the lake region have expressed concerns that the sector has not received adequate policy attention despite its importance to employment, food security and regional economic growth.

Stakeholders believe increased investment in fisheries, infrastructure and sustainable resource management could unlock significant economic opportunities for coastal and inland communities.

Onion Farmers Raise Import Concerns

Agricultural producers have also appealed for action on growing imports of onions from neighbouring Tanzania.

Farmers in Meru County argue that cheaper imported onions are making it increasingly difficult for local producers to compete, resulting in lower prices and unsold harvests.

The issue highlights the delicate balance policymakers face between supporting regional trade and protecting domestic agricultural producers from market pressures.

Calls for El Niño Preparedness

Climate resilience has emerged as another priority highlighted by the public.

Several Kenyans have urged the senator to ensure the Agriculture Committee takes proactive measures ahead of the anticipated 2026–2027 El Niño season.

Experts have warned that stronger El Niño conditions could increase the risk of flooding in some regions while disrupting agricultural production, infrastructure and rural livelihoods. Citizens are calling for improved disaster preparedness, early warning systems and support programmes for vulnerable farming communities.

Agriculture at the Centre of National Development

Responding to the influx of requests, Sifuna remarked on social media that Kenyans had wasted no time assigning him responsibilities in his new committee, joking that concerns ranging from rice and sugar to onions had already filled his inbox before he had even attended his first committee meeting.

His comments generated widespread discussion online, with many Kenyans expressing optimism that his new role would provide an opportunity to champion practical solutions for farmers and rural communities.

As Kenya continues to address food security, climate resilience, fisheries development and agricultural competitiveness, the Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping policies that support sustainable growth across the country’s agricultural sector.