Homa Bay residents decry Omena shortage as prices soar

A shortage of sardines (omena) has hit Homa Bay and other towns in the county as residents decry high prices.

The high price is said to have occurred after the county fisheries department embarked on regulating the fishing of Omena in Lake Victoria.                                                                                                 

The department stopped fishing of Omena for at least a month to promote its proliferation in the lake.

The prices of the commodity increased by more than 60 per cent over the past month forcing some people to forego eating the delicacy.

Currently, fresh Omena retails at Sh600 for a 2kg tin (gorogoro).

This is up from Sh300. Dry Omena is sold at Sh500 up from Sh270.

Some low-income families said they could not afford the delicacy.

Resident Lancer Akoth said sardines were her main source of protein but she has decided to reduce consumption of the delicacy due to the high cost.

“We’re now focusing on eggs as a substitute. This is the only way we can address the problem,” she said.

Food kiosk operators are also having difficulties adjusting to changes in prices of buying sardines.

Speaking on Tuesday, food kiosk operator Quinter Atieno said they have to increase the amount they charge for a plate to avoid incurring losses. 

She used to sell a plate of omena at Sh60 but now sells it at Sh80.

“Most people are complaining of getting less food but I have to explain to them the situation. We’re experiencing a shortage of the commodity,” Atieno said.                                               

Homa Bay town beach management unit chairman Alfred Anyango said the rise in prices of Omena occurred when the fisheries department stopped its fishing.

He also attributed the high cost of buying fuel as a factor leading to a rise in the prices of fish.

He said only a few fishermen who can fuel power their boats go to the lake for fishing.                                                               

“The high cost of fuel has made some fishermen opt out of fishing hence low production of omena,” Anyango said.

Homa Bay County Fisheries Director George Okoth said the shortage of Omena has reduced the supply and increased the demand.

According to the fisheries official, fishing of Omena has been increasing over the years as many people get into the business.              

He said they stopped fishing of Omena to protect the lake and ensure its number increases.

“Lake Victoria has fishermen getting into fishing when the resource base remains constant. This has an impact on what the lake provides,” Okoth said.

He said they started regulating fishing activities on Omena to enable the lake to recover from excessive fishing.