BUSIA, Kenya- Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo has backed President William Ruto’s bid for a second term, linking the 2027 campaign to the continuation of government development programmes targeting fishing communities in Busia County.
Speaking during an engagement with Beach Management Units representing 20 beaches in Budalangi Constituency, Dr Omollo said the government was expanding support for fishermen through modern landing sites, cold-storage facilities, enhanced lake security and better engagement with grassroots communities.
He said the administration’s development agenda was intended to ensure fishing communities along Lake Victoria received the same attention accorded to tea, dairy, coffee and sugarcane farmers.
“For the first time, we have a President who recognises that fishermen deserve the same attention as other producers,” Dr Omollo said.
Support for landing sites and cold storage
The Principal Secretary said two of Busia County’s 20 beaches were being developed into modern fish landing sites to improve fish handling, market access and economic opportunities for fishing communities.
He said the facilities would have cold-storage infrastructure, electricity and water to reduce post-harvest losses, preserve fish for longer and allow fishermen and traders to negotiate better prices.
Dr Omollo said the projects form part of wider investments in fish landing sites, piers, markets and related infrastructure across Lake Victoria counties, including Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori.
The government has previously outlined plans to develop modern landing sites around Lake Victoria as part of efforts to expand the blue economy, create jobs and strengthen food security.
More Coast Guard officers and patrol boats
Dr Omollo also announced plans to increase the deployment of Kenya Coast Guard Service officers in Busia and provide additional patrol and safety boats for fishermen operating on Lake Victoria.
He said the measures would address longstanding concerns over cross-border disputes, theft of fishing equipment, harassment and safety risks faced by Kenyan fishermen.
“We must increase the number of Kenya Coast Guard Service officers deployed here and provide additional safety boats,” he said. “Our fishermen should be able to go about their work without fear of harassment or insecurity.”
The PS said the government would work with Beach Management Unit leaders to improve access to life jackets and safety boats, while strengthening patrols in Kenyan waters.
The announcement follows recent government commitments to deploy more security officers and patrol boats on Lake Victoria as authorities respond to concerns raised by fishing communities in border areas.
Call for accountable cooperatives
Dr Omollo also called for stronger governance in Busia’s four fishermen’s cooperatives, saying their leaders should be trained in financial management, accountability and the proper administration of members’ contributions.
He said cooperative savings should enable members to borrow, invest in equipment and grow their businesses rather than be mismanaged by officials.
The PS further directed chiefs, assistant chiefs and other National Government Administration Officers to intensify public engagement through village, sub-location and location barazas.
He said the forums should help residents raise concerns, track government programmes and receive feedback from officials.
Dr Omollo also stressed that residents of Busia and other border counties should not face additional vetting requirements when applying for national identification cards.
“A Kenyan living in Busia should not be subjected to more questions or additional requirements when applying for an identity card than someone living in Nairobi or Kericho,” he said.
Ruto’s 2027 bid
Turning to politics, Dr Omollo urged residents to register as voters and participate in the August 10, 2027 General Election.
He said President Ruto deserved another term to sustain what he described as an inclusive development agenda focused on underserved communities and equitable access to public services.
Dr Omollo said development should not be determined by ethnicity, political affiliation or geographical location, urging leaders to promote national cohesion and avoid divisive politics.
The engagement was also attended by Principal Secretary for Economic Planning Dr Bonface Makokha, national government administrators, elected leaders, Beach Management Unit officials and fishing-community representatives from across Busia County.
