BOARD MEMBER Fisheries & Blue Economy Fisheries Policy & Blue Economy Development Sustainable Fisheries • Aquaculture • Ocean Governance • Policy Development Location Nairobi, Kenya Current Role Assistant Director, Fisheries and Blue Economy State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries Education MSc in Conservation Biology (Ongoing) – JKUAT BSc in Biochemistry and Chemistry (First Class Honours) – University of Nairobi Gazetted Appointment Fish Inspector – Gazette Notice No. 5806 of 5 July 2016 | Leadership Focus: Advancing sustainable fisheries and Blue Economy development through evidence-based policy, strategic planning, and strengthening the science-policy interface to enhance food security, livelihoods, and economic growth in Kenya. John Kwanya Ngicho is a fisheries and Blue Economy professional with a First-Class Honours degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry, practical experience in fisheries and aquaculture management, and progressive experience in national fisheries and Blue Economy policy and strategy. He has demonstrated capacity to translate technical knowledge into practical outcomes, including introducing monosex tilapia production and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and significantly improving revenue generation at Chwele Fish Farm. Currently serving as Assistant Director, Fisheries and Blue Economy at the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, he provides strategic and technical support on national fisheries and Blue Economy priorities, policy development, programme coordination, stakeholder engagement and regional and international cooperation. He brings a strong understanding of the science-policy interface, combining practical fisheries and aquaculture experience with postgraduate training in Conservation Biology. He is experienced in analysing scientific, technical and policy issues and translating evidence into strategic advice, policy interventions and programmes that support sustainable management of aquatic resources, food security, employment, livelihoods, economic development and environmental sustainability. He has represented the State Department in national, regional and international engagements. He brings a distinctive combination of technical fisheries expertise, scientific training, conservation knowledge, policy capability and public-sector governance experience, with particular interest in strengthening the connection between research, policy, innovation, investment and sustainable development of Kenya's aquatic resources. Research & Administrative Responsibility
Research Interest / Areas of Expertise
Academic Qualifications
Professional Training & Development
Selected Contributions National Blue Economy Strategy – Contributed to policy and strategic work supporting implementation of the Kenya National Blue Economy Strategy 2025-2030, with emphasis on translating the Blue Economy into economic opportunities, jobs, investment, sustainable resource use and improved livelihoods. Fisheries Policy, Food Security and Livelihoods – Contributed to strategic thinking on how sustainable fisheries and aquatic foods can make a greater contribution to food security, employment, livelihoods and resilience, including strengthening fisheries value chains and sustainable utilisation of aquatic resources. Research, Science and Innovation – Engaged in strengthening the relationship between research, scientific evidence and government policy, including consideration of research, innovation, digital technologies, Earth observation, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies for fisheries and Blue Economy management. Ocean Governance and International Cooperation – Supported Kenya's engagement in regional and international fisheries, ocean governance and Blue Economy processes and partnerships, including matters relating to sustainable fisheries management, marine conservation, ocean observation and international ocean commitments. Blue Carbon and Climate Resilience – Contributed to strategic policy work concerning blue carbon ecosystems, climate action, sustainable financing and the integration of aquatic ecosystems into Kenya's wider climate and development agenda. Links |
