Lake Victoria Fishers: Kenya Presses Uganda to End Harassment and Plans Stronger Coast Guard PatrolsLake Victoria Fishers: Kenya Presses Uganda to End Harassment and Plans Stronger Coast Guard Patrols
Key Highlights
- Kenya has asked its foreign ministry to seek a lasting fix with Uganda for the harassment of fishermen on Lake Victoria.
- The government also plans to strengthen Coast Guard patrols on the lake, though no funding figure or timeline has been published.
- Fisherfolk from three Western Kenya sub-counties heard the commitments at Uhendo Beach in Bondo, where the Interior PS also listed past blue economy investments.
Kenya has tasked its foreign ministry with finding a lasting solution to the harassment of Kenyan fishermen on Lake Victoria, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, has said.
The pledge matters to thousands of households that depend on the lake for income, because the commitments so far come without a funding figure, a timeline or a published list of incidents.
What the PS told fisherfolk
Omollo spoke at Uhendo Beach in Bondo sub-county at a meeting with fisherfolk from Usigu, Rarieda and Bondo. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been asked to take up the matter with Uganda and stop the harassment, according to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration account of the government position as reported by the Kenya News Agency.
The government is also working on ways to strengthen the Kenya Coast Guard Service so that it can patrol the lake and deter foreign intruders. "We will look for enough funds to facilitate KCGS to beef up security in the lake," Omollo said.
Investments the government cited
Omollo pointed to nine fish landing sites built on Lake Victoria, along with new fishing gear, training and life support for fishermen. He did not give the cost of these projects or say how many fishers have benefited.
Legislators Elisha Odhiambo and Gedion Ochanda also addressed the gathering.
What is still unclear
The report does not give dates of specific incidents, the number of boats or crews affected, or the penalties imposed on those detained. It also carries no response from Ugandan authorities. Mwenendo will update this story if either government publishes figures or a joint plan.
Trade between the two countries is already under pressure from currency swings, as Mwenendo earlier reported when Uganda inflation hit 5.8%.
Lake security is another factor for traders who move fish and goods across the border, and the earlier Mwenendo report that Uganda cleared all 60 Ebola contacts shows how closely the two neighbours already coordinate on cross-border issues.
In Summary
- Who made the pledge?
- Interior PS Raymond Omollo, speaking to fisherfolk from Usigu, Rarieda and Bondo.
- What did he promise?
- Foreign ministry engagement with Uganda to end harassment, and stronger Kenya Coast Guard Service patrols on Lake Victoria.
- When was it said?
- On 1 November 2026.
- Where was the meeting?
- Uhendo Beach, Bondo sub-county, on Lake Victoria.
- Why does it matter?
- Fishing supports household incomes around the lake, and harassment disrupts livelihoods.
- How will it be funded?
- No figure was given; Omollo said the government will look for enough funds.