Sharks and rays, part of the subclass Elasmobranchii, are highly vulnerable to overfishing due to their biological traits, such as slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive rates, which hinder rapid population recovery. Over one-third of elasmobranch species globally are now threatened with extinction, primarily from overfishing. The loss of these species has significant implications for marine ecosystems, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine communities. In Kenya, are intentionally targeted for their meat and fins and incidentally caught during fishing operations targeting other species. Vessels used in artisanal fisheries, such as dugout and motorised boats, and fishing gears like gillnets, longlines, and handlines, are most responsible for the unintentional capture of elasmobranchs. Small commercial prawn trawl fisheries in some areas also contribute significantly to the bycatch of elasmobranch species. In all, the exploitation of threatened shark and ray species, including those classified as Vulnerable Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, is rife. Reef shark populations in East Africa have been classified as ‘functionally extinct’. Further challenging the protection of shark and ray species in the region is inadequate enforcement or absence of fishing regulations, and critical knowledge gaps on biological traits and nursery grounds.