{
  "id": 19817562,
  "title": "Government Pledges Better Fishing Infrastructure, Security in Busia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/government-pledges-better-fishing-infrastructure-security-in-busia",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T14:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital FM Kenya",
    "slug": "capital-fm-kenya",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/government-pledges-better-fishing-infrastructure-security-in-busia/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Busia County fishermen will soon enjoy better fishing infrastructure, enhanced security on Lake Victoria, and easier market access, following the government's pledge to address the challenges they face. Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, speaking in Budalangi during a meeting with Beach Management Unit members from 20 local beaches, highlighted the government's focus on the blue economy through investments in modern fish landing sites, cold storage facilities, and increased security personnel. Despite the vital role of fishermen in food security, employment, and the economy, they had historically received inadequate attention, Omollo said, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensure fishing communities benefit from development programs like other sectors such as tea, coffee, dairy, and sugarcane. Two of Busia County's 20 beaches are being developed into modern fish landing sites with cold storage, electricity, and water, aimed at preserving catches, reducing post-harvest losses, and enabling better market negotiations. Similar projects will be undertaken in Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties to strengthen the fisheries value chain around Lake Victoria. Omollo also announced plans to increase Kenya Coast Guard Service officer deployment in Busia County and provide additional safety boats to bolster security on the lake, addressing issues like cross-border disputes with Ugandan fishermen, equipment theft, and safety threats during fishing activities. The government will work with Beach Management Unit leaders to provide life jackets, improve access to safety boats, and ensure fishermen can work without fear of harassment. He called for improved management of the county's four fishermen's cooperatives, urging them to embrace accountability and sound financial practices. Fishing communities must manage their contributions to support their economic activities better, such as accessing loans and purchasing fishing equipment. Omollo also urged fishermen to strengthen their cooperatives to enable investment, loan repayment, and economic opportunities for members. The PS directed government administrators to ensure equal service delivery to residents without discrimination, particularly addressing additional vetting requirements for identity card applications in border counties like Busia. He encouraged public barazas at village, sub-location, and location levels for residents to engage with government programmes and address community issues. Finally, Omollo declared his support for President William Ruto's re-election bid in the upcoming August 10, 2027, General Election, encouraging Busia residents to register and participate in the electoral process.",
  "summary": "Speaking in Budalangi, Busia County, during a meeting with Beach Management Unit (BMU) members representing 20 beaches, Omollo said fishermen had for years received inadequate attention despite their contribution to food security, employment creation and the economy.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}