Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has promised to address growing complaints from local fishermen, who decried harassment and robbery by foreign security agencies while fishing on the shared waters of Lake Victoria.
Murkomen said with a firm assurance that Kenya’s maritime and inland water security was now a government priority.
“Remember that we already have an agreement with the Ugandan government on partnership and assist the East African community on how to manage the lake,” he said, “we want to respect that but also want to strengthen our team to be able to respond accordingly. “He said.
Most Kenyan fishermen had earlier complained of harassment from neighbouring countries’ security officers when undertaking their fishing operations,
Murkomen while speaking at the Kisumu Pier said Kenyan fishing communities have a right to free access to the lake unhindered at all times.
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Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, praised the assurances saying improved security on the lake will protect the fish cage farming industry that has suffered heavy losses from theft and vandalism.
Murkomen added that the ministry is committed to professionalizing all uniformed services, insisting that corruption would be eradicated while respecting human rights, to restore public confidence in the security services.
He asserted that the government will urgently strengthen the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) after discovering that officers are working with limited boats and manpower despite mounting security challenges.
“If we do not secure them, we open the country to illegal trade and drug trafficking,” Murkomen said.
In mitigation, Murkomen claimed that the government was working with Kenya Shipyards Limited, under the Ministry of Defense, to repair and modernize nine Coast Guard boats, four in Kisumu and five at the Coast, to boost patrols and law enforcement operations.
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He further disclosed that 200 additional officers will be assigned to the Coast Guard, sourced from the most recent intakes of the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service.
Murkomen highlighted the importance of maintaining a robust security infrastructure to safeguard trade and local communities.
He reviewed operational readiness at the port, focusing on measures that prevent criminal activity and ensure the safety of cargo and passengers. He also engaged with officers to assess challenges affecting service delivery and ways to streamline inter-agency responses during emergencies.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the strategic importance of Kisumu as a hub for trade and transport in western Kenya, noting that security at the port is vital for national economic growth.
“Strong security installations, coordinated operations, and responsive personnel are critical for ensuring that the Lake Victoria corridor remains safe and secure for all users,” Murkomen noted.
The government set up two Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) bases in Homa Bay County in 2023 to maintain security in Lake Victoria. The bases will be used to protect fishermen from numerous harassments and arrests by the neighbouring country’s security officers.
By Fredrick Odiero
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