Fishermen and border communities in Migori County could soon benefit from increased security patrols, additional police officers, modern fishing facilities and greater government investment in the blue economy. Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo has outlined a series of commitments targeting long-standing security concerns around Lake Victoria, while also announcing plans to strengthen fishing cooperatives, improve infrastructure and expand government services in the region.
Highlights
- Government plans to increase police deployment around Migori’s border communities and Lake Victoria.
- Additional patrol boats are expected to strengthen maritime security before the end of 2026.
- Fishermen are being encouraged to join SACCOs to improve access to financial support.
- Government is investing in modern landing sites, cold storage facilities and fishing equipment.
- More than 600 modern markets and the proposed 500-kilometre Lake Victoria Ring Road feature in the development agenda.
Main Story
Government Promises Increased Security Along Lake Victoria
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo has announced plans to strengthen security along Kenya’s border communities, particularly areas facing persistent challenges along the Tanzania border and around Migingo Island and Homa Bay near Uganda.
Speaking during an engagement with local communities in Migori County, Omollo said the government was working to address security concerns through diplomatic engagements and increased deployment of security personnel.
He noted that officers serving in the region would be expected to take greater responsibility for protecting residents, adding that those who demonstrate exceptional performance could be recognised and promoted.
The PS also said the government was engaging local security commanders to improve accountability and ensure officers adopt effective strategies that allow residents to conduct their daily activities without intimidation or fear.
More Police Officers and Patrol Boats for Fishermen
The government is also planning to increase its presence on Lake Victoria to address challenges affecting fishermen and other people whose livelihoods depend on the lake.
Omollo acknowledged the security and operational difficulties experienced by fishing communities, particularly those working in waters close to international borders.
He committed that additional police and security officers would be deployed to the region before the end of 2026.
The government also plans to provide more patrol boats to strengthen surveillance, protect territorial waters and improve maritime security.
The proposed measures are expected to address concerns around fishermen’s safety while supporting economic activities on the lake.
Government Pushes for Greater Investment in Fishing Communities
Omollo said the administration was prioritising investment in fishing communities in the same way it supports other agricultural and economic sectors.
He pointed to President William Ruto’s development agenda, arguing that government projects should benefit Kenyans across different regions without discrimination based on ethnicity or political background.
The PS cited ongoing and planned development activities in Migori, Mombasa, Nairobi, Murang’a and Trans Nzoia as examples of the administration’s approach to distributing national resources.
He also challenged local leaders, including officials overseeing Beach Management Units (BMUs), to embrace inclusive leadership and ensure development opportunities reach ordinary residents.
Fishermen Urged to Join SACCOs Before Seeking Government Funding
Another major issue addressed during the engagement was the need to strengthen cooperative societies serving fishing communities.
Omollo revealed that only 420 people had registered with the SACCOs being discussed, despite the large number of residents involved in fishing and related economic activities.
He questioned the sustainability of providing financial assistance worth KSh 5 million or KSh 10 million to cooperatives with such limited membership.
According to the PS, government support should benefit thousands of people involved in the fishing industry rather than a small group.
He encouraged fishermen to register as SACCO members, increase their collective savings and strengthen their financial position.
The government also intends to support leadership training to improve cooperative management, accountability and the handling of financial resources.
The initiative will extend to Beach Management Units and groups involved in integrated poultry farming, with the broader aim of expanding economic opportunities within the blue economy sector.
Modern Landing Sites and Fishing Equipment Planned
The government is also investing in infrastructure intended to improve the working conditions of fishermen and increase the value of their produce.
Omollo highlighted several landing site projects across the Lake Victoria region.
These include the Muhuru Bay pier in Migori, a completed facility in Homa Bay and ongoing construction at Usenge in Siaya County.
Additional projects are planned for Mbita, Kendu Bay and Sena in Mfangano.
The facilities are expected to include cold storage rooms and improved fish-sorting areas, helping fishermen preserve their catches and reduce losses associated with inadequate storage.
The PS also noted that fishing equipment had been distributed across different water bodies, including Lake Victoria, the Indian Ocean and inland lakes such as Turkana, Baringo and Naivasha.
Training programmes have also been undertaken to strengthen skills within the fishing sector.
Meanwhile, the government is working on a public ferry project in Kisumu, which is nearing completion and is expected to improve transport for communities around Lake Victoria.
Government Highlights 600 Modern Markets and Lake Victoria Ring Road
Beyond fishing infrastructure, the government is pursuing wider development projects aimed at strengthening economic activity across the region.
Omollo said the administration was working on the construction of more than 600 modern markets equipped with electricity, running water and cold storage facilities.
The facilities are intended to improve trading conditions, support the preservation of agricultural and fish products and give producers better opportunities to access markets.
He also announced that road construction activities had resumed in the region, pointing to the planned 500-kilometre Lake Victoria Ring Road as a major infrastructure project.
The proposed road is expected to connect communities between Migori and Busia, improving transport and opening up economic opportunities for businesses operating around the lake.
The PS described the blue economy as an important component of the government’s broader economic development strategy, noting that investment in fishing, transport and market infrastructure could create opportunities for local communities.
Government Plans to Recruit More Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs
Omollo also addressed the expansion of national government administrative services through the establishment of additional administrative units.
These include new divisions, sub-counties, locations and sub-locations across the country.
As the government prepares to recruit Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs to serve in these areas, residents have been encouraged to nominate individuals who demonstrate patriotism, integrity and a commitment to public service.
The aim is to strengthen administration at the grassroots level and ensure government programmes reach communities more effectively.
The PS added that residents of Nyatike and the wider Migori County had expressed support for President Ruto’s development agenda.
What This Means for Migori Residents
The commitments outlined by Omollo touch on several challenges affecting communities around Lake Victoria, including insecurity, limited fishing infrastructure, transport difficulties and access to economic opportunities.
If implemented as outlined, the additional security personnel and patrol boats could improve safety for fishermen, while modern landing sites and cold storage facilities could help reduce post-harvest losses.
Stronger SACCOs could also give fishing communities a better foundation for accessing financial support and managing collective investments.
However, residents will be watching closely to see how quickly the announced projects translate into visible improvements in their daily lives.
For the fishermen of Migori, better security and modern infrastructure could mean more than government promises they could mean safer livelihoods, stronger businesses and a brighter future. The big question is how soon will these commitments become reality?
