Current Status and Production Trends of Commercially Cultured Mariculture Species Along the Kenyan Coast: Challenges, Opportunities and Future Prospects

ABSTRACT Mariculture holds significant promise for enhancing food security, blue economy development and climate‐resilient livelihoods along Kenya's 640 km coastline. This review synthesises over two decades of empirical and grey literature to examine the current status, production trends, challenges and future prospects of commercially cultured mariculture species in Kenya. The review focuses on key species including milkfish ( Chanos chanos ), rabbitfish ( Siganus sutor ), seaweed ( Eucheuma spp.), mud crab ( Scylla serrata ), prawns ( Penaeus spp.), oysters ( Saccostrea cucullata ), Artemia franciscana and sea cucumbers ( Holothuria scabra ). Despite a favourable marine environment and policy recognition, the sector remains underdeveloped, with total production in 2023 reaching only 112 metric tons. Major constraints include limited hatchery capacity, weak technical knowledge, policy and regulatory fragmentation, infrastructural gaps and fragile market linkages. Nonetheless, emerging opportunities are evident: seaweed farming has shown rapid expansion with high female participation; integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) offers ecological and economic efficiencies; and strategic investments such as the National Mariculture Resource and Training (NAMARET) Center promise to improve seed and training access. The review identifies the potential for upscaling finfish and shellfish farming, diversifying species portfolios and strengthening mariculture value chains through policy alignment, climate adaptation and blue economy integration. Addressing key constraints through targeted investment, inclusive community participation, and sustainable technologies will be critical to unlocking the sector's growth. This synthesis provides a foundation for policymakers, researchers and stakeholders to develop resilient, inclusive and market‐oriented mariculture systems in coastal Kenya.