Bunyala Residents Praise Ruto Government for Security and Fishing Investments

Residents of Bunyala in Busia County have praised the government for investments in fishing infrastructure and improved security, saying the interventions are beginning to make a difference in their livelihoods.

The fishing communities said the deployment of the Kenya Coast Guard Service and increased patrols on the water had helped reduce cases of theft, giving fishermen greater confidence to carry out their activities.

During an engagement with Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo and representatives of Beach Management Units (BMUs), residents described fishing as the backbone of their local economy, supporting not only fishermen but also traders and transport operators.

Fishing Supports an Entire Community

Residents explained that the economic benefits of fishing extend beyond those who go out onto the lake to catch fish.

At Marenga Beach, which they described as the largest landing site in Bunyala, a boda boda rider earns money by transporting fish to the market, while traders make a living from selling the catch.

They emphasised that different groups depend on the fishing trade to support their families.

“Sisi wote tunafaidika,” one resident said, highlighting how the industry benefits the wider community.

The residents expressed optimism that improved security would attract more people to the beaches, increase business activity and create additional economic opportunities.

Residents Recognise Government Investments

One resident, who said he had witnessed three different administrations, credited President William Ruto’s government with improving fishing infrastructure across several landing sites.

He cited the provision of fish-handling facilities, access roads, electricity and speedboats to various landing sites and Beach Management Unit networks.

The resident said the improvements were visible to the community, allowing residents to appreciate the government’s interventions in the fishing sector.

The investments, alongside enhanced security on the water, were seen as important steps towards improving fishing operations and supporting local economic growth.

Fishermen Raise Concerns Over Stolen Nets and Border Challenges

Despite welcoming the interventions, fishermen raised concerns over challenges that continue to affect their activities.

They warned that catching undersized fish was contributing to the depletion of fish stocks, raising concerns about the sustainability of fishing and the future of their livelihoods.

Fishermen also reported cases of stolen fishing nets and difficult encounters with Ugandan officers operating on the lake.

Some said their boats and nets had been seized, with fishing equipment allegedly taken away or burnt during such encounters.

The residents called for continued attention to security challenges and measures to protect their equipment and fishing activities.

Omollo Calls for Stronger Engagement With Communities

Residents also welcomed the opportunity to meet government officials directly, saying they had often felt that government was distant from their everyday experiences.

They appreciated being able to hear about ongoing government programmes, raise concerns and provide feedback on the delivery of services.

PS Raymond Omollo credited President Ruto’s leadership with encouraging government officials to engage communities at the grassroots rather than relying solely on reports from their offices.

He emphasised that public officials had a responsibility to listen to citizens, account for their work and explain the measures being taken to address challenges affecting communities.

The engagement provided an opportunity for residents and government representatives to discuss progress in the fishing sector while identifying areas requiring further intervention, particularly insecurity on the lake.