The government has pledged continued support for fishermen operating on Lake Victoria, promising investments in modern fishing technology and improved safety measures to boost production and protect livelihoods.
Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the government had invested in fish cages, feeds and fingerlings to increase fish production and strengthen the economic well-being of fishermen and fish traders.
Speaking in Mbita, Homa Bay County, during a meeting with members of Beach Management Units (BMUs) from Suba South and Suba North sub-counties, Omollo urged fishermen to take advantage of the government-backed initiatives to improve their livelihoods.
“About 80 per cent of Lake Victoria lies within Kenya’s territory in Homa Bay County, so we must plan well to ensure we benefit from the lake. Through the Ministry of Fisheries, the government has provided some of you with cages, feeds and fingerlings,” Omollo said.
He called on residents to protect the lake’s resources and embrace sustainable fishing practices, noting that Lake Victoria remains a major source of livelihoods for communities along its shores.
The PS also urged fishermen to adopt modern fibreglass boats, saying the vessels could improve safety and reduce accidents that have claimed lives on the lake.
“Today, we have fibreglass boats that are more durable and do not allow water to seep in easily. Those extracting resources from the lake must embrace new technology and understand how the boats are made and how fishing is conducted,” he said.
Omollo further called for proper management of cage fishing, noting that although the practice had helped improve fish stocks, it needed to be regulated to ensure long-term sustainability.
He assured fishermen that security agencies would continue conducting patrols on the lake to enhance safety for fishermen, traders and other water users.
On disputes over fishing boundaries involving communities from Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya and Migori counties, Omollo urged fishermen to embrace peaceful coexistence, saying Lake Victoria was a shared resource that should benefit all Kenyans.
He described the engagement between BMU members and government officials as an important opportunity to discuss challenges facing the fishing sector and identify solutions to improve productivity, safety and livelihoods.
Omollo said cooperation among fishermen, government agencies and other stakeholders would be critical in ensuring the sustainable use of Lake Victoria’s resources for present and future generations.
