Fishermen in Kenya have called on the three East Africa Community (EAC) member states to lift some fishing restrictions in Lake Victoria to give all fishermen an opportunity to engage in business without being harassed.
Fishermen in the country said harsh fishing laws in neighbouring countries makes them rub shoulders more often with authorities from Uganda and Tanzania leading to arrests.
Kenyan fishermen have in the past suffered cruel treatment in the hands of security officers from the two neighbouring counties, a situation which jeopardises their income.
During arrest, the they are always locked in police cell and later fined before being released.
Lake Victoria Beach Management Unit (BMU) Network National Chairman Tom Guda said to prevent persistent arrests, some restrictions in the two counties should be lifted.
Most Kenyan fishermen arrested in Uganda and Tanzania have been accused of trespass.
There are no beacons in the lake to guide fishermen that they are about to cross the boundary unlike on land.
Mr Guda said the law on trespass should be lifted.
“Lake Victoria is a shared natural resource by the East African Community. Some countries have however introduced restrictions that prevent fishermen from engaging in favourable business. Limitation of movement should be scrapped,” he said.
He asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to lobby for ease of fishing laws saying fishermen cannot distinguish that fish belongs to Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda.
”Suspension of some of these laws will open up the lake for fishermen from any of the three countries to participate in a conducive environment,” Mr Guda said.
Fishermen from Nyanza were expecting President Kenyatta to address a number of issues affecting them in the lake during his recent visit to Kisumu.
Mr Kenyatta however did not touch on issues at the lake.
Mr Guda appealed to the state to intensify security at its borders in Lake Victoria to prevent harassment of Kenyan fishermen.
He also asked the government to commence the construction of Lake Victoria Ring road to boost fish businesses.
The ring road is a project by the government that is meant to connect Siaya, Kisumu, Migori and Homa Bay.
It will improve the road network within the fish landing sites in towns along the shores of Lake Victoria.
FEATURED PHOTO: Fishermen at Nyanguena Beach in Nyatike Sub county off-load fish from their boat on September 2, 2018. PHOTO/Standard.
