The government has announced a fresh security strategy to curb cross-border conflicts on Lake Victoria, which have long exposed Kenyan fishermen to harassment, arrests, and loss of livelihoods.
Speaking in Kisumu on Thursday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said Kenya will enhance security on the lake through deploying more officers, boats, and equipment as part of the ongoing security sector modernisation programme.
“The presence of our security officers on the lake must be enhanced. And that presence is not just about numbers, but also about equipment,” Murkomen said.
The CS acknowledged that frequent clashes between Kenyan and Ugandan fishermen stem from the shared nature of Lake Victoria’s resources.
He explained that fish breeding mostly happens on the Kenyan side before migrating to Ugandan waters, creating disputes over ownership.
“Fish cannot be tagged or given passports. That is why joint management of the lake is necessary,” he said.
Murkomen revealed that Kenya and Uganda have a joint cooperation agreement, which was recently reviewed during President Yoweri Museveni’s visit.
The agreement focuses on sustainable fishing practices and peaceful use of the lake.
Liaison officers and BMU involvement
To strengthen cross-border cooperation, Murkomen proposed the appointment of liaison officers on both sides of the border to handle fishing disputes.
“It might be necessary to have a liaison officer from Uganda operating in Kenya, and one from Kenya operating in Uganda,” he said.
He also called for the inclusion of Beach Management Units (BMUs) in subcounty security meetings, noting that fishermen are the first line of intelligence on lake security.
The CS added that the Kenya Coast Guard Service and border patrol units will be strengthened to manage security on inland waters, not just the Indian Ocean.
“One of the issues flagged nationally is how to enhance our presence in our lakes. The coast guard must be strengthened,” he said.
Murkomen assured that his ministry will quantify the exact security needs, including the construction of lakeside offices for officers, to ensure fishermen operate in a safe environment.
The CS who was in Kisumu for the Jukwaa la Usalama Forum was accompanied by Interior PS Raymond Omollo, Deputy Inspector General (APS) Gilbert Masengeli, Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora, and NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa.
Others were Secretary National Registration Dr Christopher Wanjau, Secretary Civil Registration Paul Mwangemi, Deputy Commissioner of Prisons George Diang’a, Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa and Regional Police Commander Gisiri Nyamohanga.
Regional AP Commander Josephat Njeru, Commander Kenya Coast Guard Service Joel Koech and Acting County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, among other senior government officials, were also present.
