Fishermen Undecided Over Proposal To Increase Number Of Vessels In Lake Naivasha

NAKURU,Kenya, Oct, 26 – A proposal by the county government of Nakuru that would see the number of fishing vessels in Lake Naivasha rise from 215 to 300 has divided stakeholders in the struggling sector.

According to the county government, the move is aimed at supporting youth within the nearby informal settlements.

Stakeholders however during a consultative meeting in Naivasha between stakeholders in the lake and county officials from Nakuru and Nyandarua counties said the move would adversely affect fish production.

“We should look at how sustainable this issue is as currently the number of fishermen is too high against a drop in fish catch,” Said chairman Lake Naivasha Basin Landscape Association, Paul Ruoya.

According to Ruoya, a study should first be conducted in the area before any decision is arrived upon as fish production has been dwindling for years.

In a bid to control illegal fishing, the association also hailed the move to introduce coast guard service officers despite recent backlash following the death of a fisherman in the lake.

“As we protect the fishing sector we are concerned by the negative effects of the planned Malewa dam as it could end up killing Lake Naivasha,” he said.

Other stakeholders say that by increasing the number of fishing vessels on the lake, cases of illegal fishing will reduce tremendously.

“Those who will benefit once the fishing vessels are added are the illegal fishermen and this will help reduce cases of illegal fishing,” Said Grace Nyambura, a member of Lake Naivasha Beach Management Unit.