Nairobi:Nyatike: The fishing community along the shores of Lake Victoria in Nyatike Sub-County has urged the Migori County Department of Fisheries to promptly address a territorial dispute affecting their beaches.
According to Kenya News Agency, the conflict involves fishers from Kimambra Beach in North Kadem Ward, who claim that fishers from Kao Beach have been encroaching on their designated fishing areas. This issue reportedly began in 2019 but was resolved later that year when an agreement on boundary structures was reached in the presence of government officials and representatives from both fishing communities.
Charles Ongure, a leader from the Kimambra fishing community, blamed certain Beach Management Unit (BMU) officials for attempting to disrupt the harmony between Kimambra and Kao Beach fishers. Ongure asserted that their relationship with Ngwena Beach fishers remained positive, but some BMU members seemed intent on fostering division with Kao Beach.
The territorial disputes among Nyatike’s fishing communities have been exacerbated by competition for fish, which has been dwindling due to overfishing, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. This has led to increased tension and encroachments across various fishing areas, including Muhuru Bay, Sori Bay, Kimambra Beach, Kao Beach, and Ngwena Beach.
