The Government is engaging the neighbouring Uganda for a permanent solution to harassment of fishermen in Lake Victoria, Principal Secretary (PS) for Interior and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, has said.

Omollo said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked to have the issue addressed and put a stop to the uncalled-for harassment and other nuisances.

He was speaking at Uhendo Beach in West Sakwa, Bondo Sub-county, during a meeting with the fisher folk from Usigu, Rarieda and Bondo Sub-counties, which was attended by among others, Nyanza Regional Commissioner, Onesmus Kyatha, Siaya County Commissioner, Norbert Komora and Legislators Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Gedion Ochanda (Bondo).

The PS told the fishermen that the government was working on modalities to strengthen the Kenya Coast Guard Services, to enable it effectively patrol the lake and bar foreign intruders.

“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” he assured.

Omollo said President William Ruto’s government, has invested a lot in the blue economy in the region, citing the construction of nine fish landing sites in Lake Victoria.

“Besides that, there has been investment in giving the fishermen new fishing gears, adequate training and life support” he said, adding” beyond the Lake, there are other necessary infrastructure facilities, that will make the entire ecosystem complete.

Addressing the occasion, Legislators Elisha Odhiambo and Gedion Ochanda told the Orange Democratic Movement Party, to give President William Ruto leverage, to talk to all communities.

Odhiambo said the push by the ODM to have the President commit to a 50 – 50 share of government cannot work, as it risked locking out other communities.

“We must allow President Ruto to welcome other partners, so that the country is together” he said.

By Philip Onyango