MIGORI, Kenya – The government plans to deploy additional security officers and patrol boats on Lake Victoria before the end of 2026 as part of efforts to address insecurity affecting fishermen and protect fishing activities in Kenyan waters.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the additional resources would strengthen surveillance and patrol operations, particularly in areas around Migingo Island and the borders with Uganda and Tanzania.
Speaking during a meeting with Beach Management Units (BMUs) and business representatives in Migori County on November 6, Omollo said the government was working with the Border Patrol Unit and the Kenya Coast Guard Service to improve security on the lake.
He said fishermen would see an increase in police and security personnel, alongside additional patrol boats, before the end of the year.
The announcement comes amid wider government investments aimed at transforming the fishing industry and improving livelihoods in communities along Lake Victoria.
Omollo said the administration was constructing nine modern fish landing sites around the lake, including facilities designed with cold storage rooms, hygienic fish-handling areas and improved trading infrastructure.
He cited ongoing construction at Muhuru Bay Pier in Migori County, alongside other projects intended to reduce post-harvest losses and improve fishermen’s earnings.
The government is also expanding water transport infrastructure, with works at Usenge in Siaya County and planned developments at Mbita, Kendu Bay and Sena on Mfangano Island. A water transport facility in Homa Bay has been completed, while a public ferry in Kisumu is nearing completion.
The ferry is expected to improve passenger movement and trade between communities around the lake.
Omollo further said President William Ruto is expected to visit the region in the coming weeks to launch construction of the approximately 500-kilometre Lake Victoria Ring Road, which will run from Migori to Busia.
He said improved road networks would connect fish landing sites to markets and commercial centres, strengthening the movement of goods and supporting economic activity across the region.
The PS also highlighted the government’s plan to construct more than 600 markets nationwide, saying modern facilities equipped with electricity, water and cold storage would help traders preserve their products and reduce exploitation by middlemen.
On economic empowerment, Omollo urged BMUs to strengthen their savings and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs) through transparent financial management, accountability and increased membership.
He also encouraged fishing communities to diversify their sources of income through activities such as integrated poultry farming.
Omollo said the government wanted the fishing industry to receive the same level of attention and investment extended to other agricultural sectors, including coffee, tea, dairy and sugarcane.
He also cited the Taifa Care healthcare reforms, saying more than 33 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The PS was accompanied by Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, alongside government officials, security officers, BMU representatives and members of the business community.
