Kisumu cage fish farmers have suffered a devastating loss after more than KSh 9.6 million worth of fish perished in Lake Victoria, reportedly due to an acute shortage of dissolved oxygen in the water, an incident now being linked to possible pollution from nearby industrial activity.
The affected farmers, primarily based in Dunga Beach, are calling on the Kisumu County Government for urgent assistance to help them recover from the financial blow.
“We have lost KSh 9.6 million worth of fish as cage fish farmers in Dunga. We are asking the county government of Kisumu to help us get back on our feet,” said one distraught farmer.
According to Mr. Kenneth Onyango, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock Development, and Irrigation, at least nine cages have been affected so far. The dead fish remain in the cages but will soon be removed and safely disposed of to prevent them from entering local markets.
Mr. Onyango urged farmers with surviving fish to begin harvesting immediately to avoid further losses.
“We have more than 100 cages, but so far only 10 have been affected. If there are those with live fish, we urge them to harvest immediately. Public health officers will guide this process to ensure safety,” he said.
Preliminary findings suggest the fish died due to insufficient oxygen in the water, possibly caused by industrial pollutants. Investigations are currently underway, led by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
“Preliminary reports point to oxygen depletion possibly caused by pollutants from nearby factories. We are working with KEFRI and NEMA to finalize investigations and will make the report public once it’s complete,” Onyango added.
He assured the public that all dead fish will be disposed of according to health and safety regulations, and none will be allowed into the food supply chain.
The incident underscores growing environmental concerns around Lake Victoria, where increasing industrial activity, poor waste management, and climate-related changes continue to threaten aquatic life and local livelihoods.
