BUSIA: Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma has called for a comprehensive review of the Fisheries Act to ensure its alignment with the 2010 Constitution, emphasizing that the outdated legislation is hindering the growth of the sector. As chair of the Council of Governors (COG) Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Blue Economy Committee, Dr. Otuoma highlighted the need to address legal obstacles affecting the fisheries industry to boost fish production. According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Otuoma noted that the current legal framework is impeding the progress of aquaculture programs across counties due to its misalignment with the devolved governance structure. He stated that the lack of a clear legal framework is a significant factor contributing to the country's fish shortage. Speaking at the inaugural Lake Victoria Aquaculture Forum in Kisumu, Dr. Otuoma underscored the urgency of revising the laws to empower county governments in revitalizing the fisheries sector. The governor revealed ongoing discussions with the nati onal government, noting that the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, Ali Hassan Joho, a former governor, is supportive of expediting the legislative review process. A technical team, including representatives from the COG, county governments, and the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy, has been formed to resolve contentious issues and establish a robust legal framework to promote aquaculture. Dr. Otuoma also stressed the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the legislative development process to ensure the new laws address the sector's challenges effectively. He pointed out the potential of the lake region to meet the country's fish demand and called for regional collaboration to safeguard Lake Victoria, a transboundary resource critical to local livelihoods. The governor highlighted ongoing issues faced by Kenyan fishermen, including harassment and imprisonment by Ugandan authorities, advocating for uniform legislation across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to enable equitable resource access . He further emphasized empowering the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation to regulate fishing activities and ensure the welfare of the 300,000 individuals dependent on the lake daily. In addition, Dr. Otuoma advocated for the rapid implementation of the Kabonyo Kanyagwal fish project in Kisumu to boost fingerling production, reduce dependency on imports from China, and enhance the region's aquaculture potential through research. Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong'o echoed the call for legislative review, highlighting the pressure on Lake Victoria's resources and the threat of extinction faced by some indigenous fish species. He urged for swift action to investigate and reverse the depletion of fish resources. Lake Victoria Aquaculture Association (LVA) Board Member Pete Ondeng emphasized the association's mission to foster strategic collaboration and partnerships among aquaculture stakeholders, aiming to be a leading platform for sustainable aquaculture practices and economic growth. He reiterated the as sociation's commitment to advocating for policy and legal framework development to unlock the sector's potential.