Kenya Engages Uganda To Permanently End Harassment Of Local Fishermen, PS Omollo Says

The Kenyan government is actively engaging neighboring Uganda to establish a permanent solution to the persistent harassment of local fishermen operating on Lake Victoria, Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has announced.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with fisherfolk from Usigu, Rarieda, and Bondo sub-counties at Uhendo Beach in West Sakwa, Bondo Sub-County, PS Omollo revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been formally tasked with resolving the diplomatic dispute and halting cross-border disruptions on the lake.

”Mkazungumzia mambo ya usalama baharini. Najua tumekua na tatizo na majirani wetu apa Uganda. Najua kuna wale wenzetu wametoka hapa wako uko. Inatakikana tupate njia ya kukaa na amani… Tumekubaliana na hawa viongozi wa usalama, tutaongeza idadi ya maafisa wetu. Kenya Coast Guard Service wako hapa. Tutawaongezea zile vifaa zenye zinahitajika,” Omollo stated.

The engagement was attended by Nyanza Regional Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha, Siaya County Commissioner Norbert Komora, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, and Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda.

Strengthening the Kenya Coast Guard Service and Blue Economy

Alongside diplomatic efforts, PS Omollo assured the fishing community that the government is working to bolster the operational capacity of the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) to enhance lake patrols and deter unauthorized foreign incursions.

“We will look for enough funds to facilitate KCGS to beef up security in the lake so that cases of insecurity become a thing of the past,” Omollo stated.

Highlighting President William Ruto’s broader investments in the region’s blue economy, the Principal Secretary pointed to the ongoing construction of nine modern fish landing sites around Lake Victoria. He noted that the state has also supplied fishermen with new fishing gear, specialized training, and safety equipment, adding that complementary onshore infrastructure is being rolled out to support the entire value chain.

Nyanza MPs Caution ODM Against 50-50 Government Share Demands

Addressing the gathering, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo and his Bondo counterpart Gideon Ochanda urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to allow President William Ruto the political space to engage and unite all communities across the country.

Odhiambo argued that recent demands by sections of ODM for a strict 50-50 power-sharing arrangement with the administration are impractical and risk alienating other regions.