Government to deploy more security officers, patrol boats on Lake Victoria to curb insecurity

The Kenyan government plans to bolster security and infrastructure on Lake Victoria to combat insecurity affecting fishing communities bordering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, according to Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo. The deployment of additional police officers and patrol boats, set to commence by the end of 2026, aims to enhance surveillance and border patrols while improving the safety of fishermen in Kenyan waters.

Omollo, speaking to Beach Management Units and business leaders in Migori County, confirmed that the government has consulted the Border Patrol Unit and the Director General of the Kenya Coast Guard Service regarding the security measures. Persistent security concerns around Migingo Island and areas near Uganda and Tanzania prompted the planned interventions.

In addition to bolstering security, the government will invest in transforming the blue economy by constructing nine modern fish landing sites, piers, water transport infrastructure, and improving market access. The modern fish landing sites will incorporate cold storage facilities and hygienic fish handling areas to help fishermen preserve their catch and increase their earnings.

Ongoing projects include the Muhuru Bay Pier in Migori County, alongside fish landing facilities across the lake. Water transport projects, such as the completed Homa Bay facility and the ongoing construction at Usenge in Siaya County, aim to enhance connectivity across the lake. A public ferry in Kisumu is nearing completion, facilitating passenger movement and trade between communities along Lake Victoria.

Omollo urged Beach Management Units to strengthen their savings and credit cooperative societies by increasing membership, ensuring transparent financial management, and maintaining sound governance. He also encouraged fishing communities to diversify their livelihoods through activities such as integrated poultry farming.

The blue economy investments align with the government's broader plan to improve market infrastructure, with over 600 markets under construction nationwide. These modern markets will feature electricity, water, and cold storage facilities to enhance trading conditions, reduce fish losses, and protect producers from middleman exploitation.

President William Ruto is set to visit the Lake Victoria region shortly to launch the construction of the approximately 500-kilometre Lake Victoria Ring Road, linking Migori to Busia. This road, along with the revival of stalled projects and the construction of new road networks, will improve access to fish landing sites, markets, and commercial centers.

Fishing communities deserve the same level of government attention and investment as other sectors, such as coffee, tea, dairy, and sugarcane farming, according to Omollo. He emphasized that fishing communities play a vital role in Kenya's economic transformation. Additionally, healthcare reforms under Taifa Care have registered more than 33 million Kenyans, aiming to shield households from financial burdens related to medical expenses.