Nairobi: The Kenya Coast Guard Service is reinforcing its commitment to the safety of fishermen in Lake Victoria, calling on stakeholders to provide timely information to aid in fulfilling this mission.
According to Kenya News Agency, Lieutenant Commander Mwandugo Mwinyi, commander of the Inland waterbody squadron, emphasized the importance of fostering a strong collaborative relationship between the service and the local community to achieve effective results. Speaking at Usenge Beach in Bondo constituency during the conclusion of a two-day safety sensitization initiative, Commander Mwinyi highlighted a recent success where the Coast Guard intercepted foreigners harassing fishermen near Sumba Island in Kenyan waters. Prompt public alerts enabled swift intervention and the arrest of the culprits.
Mwinyi noted that the initial phase following the establishment of the Coast Guard was plagued with challenges due to a lack of public understanding of their mandate, leading to suspicion and delayed reporting of incidents. The recent sensitization efforts aim not only to ensure safety but also to foster mutual understanding among stakeholders.
The initiative included engaging sports activities between Coast Guard officers and the fishing community, promoting camaraderie and cooperation. Mwinyi reported that over 500 fishermen have already received training, with plans to extend this outreach to cover more than half of the region's fishing population in the coming months.
Siaya County Beach Management Unit (BMU) Coordinator Willis Ochieng' praised the initiative as a crucial and timely intervention for the local fishing community, describing it as a transformative step towards bridging gaps between the Coast Guard and the community. Usenge BMU Chairman Dedan Ajima and Welfare Secretary Rodgers Onyango commended the programme, supported by the International Organisation on Migration, for enhancing cooperation and encouraging ongoing security improvements on Lake Victoria to ensure a secure and thriving environment for fishermen.
Source: Kenya News Agency