The government has pledged to invest in fish farming, modern fishing equipment and security to boost production and improve the livelihoods of communities that depend on Lake Victoria.
Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the government was investing in fish feeds, fingerlings and fish cages to increase fish production and create more economic opportunities for fishermen and traders in Homa Bay County and other lakeside regions.
Speaking in Mbita during a meeting with Beach Management Unit (BMU) officials from Suba South and Suba North sub-counties, Dr Omollo urged fishermen to take advantage of the support while protecting the lake from practices that threaten its sustainability.
“Let’s build on what the government is giving us. We just pull together to preserve this lake and maximise its resources,” he said.
Dr Omollo said fishing remained a major source of income for thousands of households, adding that sustainable management of the lake was essential to protecting livelihoods and supporting long-term economic growth.
He said Homa Bay County accounted for a significant share of Kenya’s portion of Lake Victoria, giving residents an opportunity to benefit from its economic potential.
“Out of the 6 per cent of Lake Victoria in Kenya, 80 per cent is in Homa Bay and it must benefit us all,” he said.
The principal secretary urged residents, fishermen and other stakeholders to protect the lake and ensure its resources benefited both current and future generations.
He also encouraged fishermen to adopt fibre boats, saying the vessels could help reduce accidents and loss of life on the lake.
Dr Omollo said security agencies would continue conducting patrols to protect fishermen, traders and other lake users.
He said the government was prioritising safety amid concerns about accidents and disputes among fishing communities.
He called on fishermen from Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya and Migori counties to resolve boundary disputes peacefully and respect one another’s right to use the shared resource.
“Lake Victoria is a shared resource that should benefit all Kenyans,” he said, urging fishing communities to work together to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
The meeting brought together BMU representatives and Nyanza regional security officials to discuss challenges facing the fishing industry and identify ways to improve safety, increase production and support livelihoods.
Dr Omollo directed the security officers accompanying him to ensure fishermen and other lake users were protected, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining security across fishing zones.
He said engagements between BMU leaders and government officials were important in identifying challenges and developing practical solutions for the sector.
During the meeting, BMU officials asked Dr Omollo to facilitate a meeting with President William Ruto at State House, bringing together representatives of BMUs from across the country.
They said the proposed meeting would allow them to present their concerns directly to the president and discuss possible solutions to longstanding challenges facing fishermen and fish traders.
Rhe officials expressed hope that the engagement would strengthen cooperation between the government and BMUs.
The meeting ended with calls for closer collaboration between the government, security agencies and fishing communities to improve safety, increase fish production and protect Lake Victoria as a source of livelihoods and economic growth.
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