Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba
Murkomen has announced plans to strengthen security on Lake Victoria in
response to growing concerns over drug trafficking, illicit alcohol smuggling and insecurity affecting fishermen along the border waters.
Speaking during an official tour in
Kisumu to assess the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), Murkomen said the
government is intensifying maritime security as part of a nationwide crackdown
on drugs, illicit brews, and cross-border crime.
“This year has been declared
critical in the fight against drugs and illicit alcohol. Some of these
substances are smuggled through Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana because they are
international border waters,” he said.
Murkomen highlighted the role of the
Coast Guard, established in 2018, in securing Kenya’s strategic waters,
including Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, and the Indian Ocean.
An assessment of the service
revealed gaps in equipment and manpower, prompting urgent interventions.
To address the shortfalls, the
government is working with Kenya Shipyards Limited to rehabilitate nine patrol
boats—four to be deployed in Kisumu and five in Mombasa and the larger Coast region.
The process will be fast-tracked to
enable regular patrols and coordinated operations with other security agencies.
Acknowledging complaints from
fishermen over harassment and theft of fish and fishing gear—sometimes involving
officers from neighbouring countries—Murkomen stressed the need to protect
citizens while respecting existing cross-border agreements.
“We already have a partnership with
the Ugandan government on staff collaboration and community cooperation in
managing the lake. While we respect these agreements, we must strengthen our
capacity to protect our citizens,” he said.
To bolster manpower, an additional
200 trained officers from the Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Police Service
will be deployed to reinforce the Coast Guard.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o
welcomed the move, noting that Lake Victoria is a vital economic asset for the
county and the wider Nyanza region.
He cited losses suffered by fish
cage farmers and other lake investors due to insecurity, including overnight
thefts.
“We appreciate the national
government’s commitment to enhancing security on the lake. We will continue
working with Beach Management Units and cage farmers to secure Lake Victoria
and boost productivity,” Nyong’o said.
He also urged fishermen to
collaborate with the Coast Guard and use the “Usalama Baharini” mobile app,
describing it as a lifeline in emergencies.
Murkomen added that the findings
from the assessment will inform policy decisions aimed at strengthening
maritime security and safeguarding livelihoods, ensuring Lake Victoria remains
safe and productive for all users.
