Kenya’s fish export industry is booming thanks to its strategic location along the Indian Ocean and its rich inland water bodies. With 13,600 square kilometres of inland lakes and 640 kilometres of coastline, Kenya is one of the top fish-producing countries in Africa.
From Lake Victoria’s Nile perch to Indian Ocean prawns, lobsters, and tuna, the country is home to a variety of fish species in high demand internationally.
Fish from Kenya find their way to premium markets such as Japan, Israel, the USA, and Australia. This is a list of the top fish exporters in Kenya.
Leading Companies Behind the Fish Export Boom in Kenya
Kenya Fisheries Service regulates all fish imports and exports, ensuring that fish exports meet global standards. Various companies in the country have carved a name for themselves by delivering quality fish and seafood to customers abroad. Below is a breakdown of the most notable exporters.
Frutplanet
Frutplanet is one of the top fish exporters in Kenya. The company exports fresh and frozen seafood globally and is known for its reliability and efficiency. It offers a wide range of products, including tilapia, crustaceans, crabs, prawns, shrimps, lobsters, octopuses, catfish, and salmon.
Besides seafood, Frutplanet also exports tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs.
- Contact: 0798 799 211
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: frutplanet.com
Kenya Tropical Sealife Ltd
Kenya Tropical Sealife Ltd focuses on exporting marine ornamental fish, invertebrates, and elasmobranchs. The company is based in Kikambala, Mombasa and is known for its high standards in fish health and quality.
- Location: Kikambala, Mombasa
- Contact: +254 721 862 099
- Email: [email protected]
East African Sea Food Ltd
Part of the Alpha Group, East African Sea Food Ltd is a major seafood supplier that deals in both fresh and frozen fish. With operations across several countries, this company serves customers around the world.
- Location: Enterprise Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi
- Contacts: +254 722 202 110 / +254 736 560 001
Kenya Marine Centre
Kenya Marine Centre is a trusted exporter of live ornamental fish. It prides itself on offering top-quality marine species and a smooth customer service experience. This company is particularly popular among aquarium suppliers across the globe.
- Location: Kikambala
- Contacts: +254 724 827 778 / +254 720 103 311
- Email: [email protected]
Pwani Sealife Kenya
Pwani Sealife is among the fastest-growing fish exporters in Kenya. The company supplies fresh, frozen and live seafood, as well as ornamental marine fish. Its rising profile is attributed to its commitment to quality and sustainable practices.
- Contact: +254 732 360 508
- Email: [email protected]
Brinkley Limited
Brinkley Limited processes and exports both freshwater and seafood products. The company specialises in wild-caught, chilled and frozen fish and is based along Shimanzi Road in Mombasa.
- Location: Shimanzi Road, Mombasa
- Contact: +254 775 243 666
- Email: [email protected]
Capital Fish Ltd
Capital Fish Ltd is a long-established exporter known for its high-quality Nile perch. Since the early 1990s, the company has supplied international markets with fresh fish products sourced from Lake Victoria.
- Contact: +254 20 434 8242
Crustacean Processors
Located in Mombasa, Crustacean Processors is a recognised exporter of premium seafood such as octopus vulgaris, spiny lobster and omatus. The company plays a significant role in Kenya’s marine seafood exports.
- Contact: +254 729 403 563
Why Kenya Stands Out In Fish Exporting
Kenya’s natural resources and modern infrastructure make it a prime location for fish exports. Key reasons for its success include:
- Abundant Water Bodies: With Lake Victoria and a long coastline, Kenya is rich in fish species.
- Strict Quality Control: The Kenya Fisheries Service ensures exporters meet international health and quality standards.
- Global Demand: Countries like Japan and the USA trust Kenyan fish due to its freshness and sustainability.
How Fish Exporters Maintain Global Standards
Fish exporters in Kenya invest in cold chain logistics, processing facilities and sustainable fishing practices.
This ensures fish remains fresh from lake or sea to destination. Most companies also comply with international food safety regulations and certifications.
