Homa bay: Fishermen in Homa Bay County want the government to step up measures to protect them from persistent harassment from security officials from neighbouring countries. The fisherfolk, led by Remba Beach Management Unit (BMU) Chairman, Sumekia Mamra, said the frequent harassment impeded their operations. Mamra said the dwindling fish population in Lake Victoria was also a threat to their livelihood.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mamra noted that they faced harassment from Ugandan and Tanzanian authorities who arrest them, confiscate their gears and fine them. Mamra highlighted a recent incident where 12 fishermen from Remba Island were arrested and their boats confiscated by Ugandan authorities. He termed these arrests as a violation of human rights and unwarranted harassment. The Ugandan authorities were reportedly demanding Kenyan fishermen to pay for Ugandan fishing licences to operate in Lake Victoria.
The fishermen are being detained in Hama Island, Uganda. Another 27 Kenyan nationals have been held since March after their arrest under similar circumstances in Remba Island in Suba West Sub-county. The BMU officials pleaded with the government to devise strategies to end these conflicts.
Chairman of Homa Bay County BMU Network, Edward Oremo, said the harassments were fueled by conflicting fishing laws in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. He pointed out discrepancies, such as the use of paraffin lamps being outlawed in Kenya but permitted in Uganda, which leads to conflict. Oremo called for the harmonization of fishing laws among the three East African countries that share Lake Victoria.
The fishermen also cited the dwindling fish in Lake Victoria as a cause for conflicts. Last week, a fisherman was killed during a fight over fishing grounds. Chairman of Suba South Constituency BMU, William Onditi, emphasized the need for interventions to restore fish populations and called for an end to illegal fishing nets that catch immature fish.
Homa Bay Deputy Governor nominee Danish Onyango stated the county government’s commitment to improving fisheries in the county. The government has invested in blue economy sector infrastructure, constructing modern fish bandas and sanitation facilities at fish landing sites. County Executive Committee Member for Blue Economy, Sarah Malit, expressed commitment to eradicating illegal fishing gear to promote sustainable fishing practices.
