This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
On August 19, 2019, fishermen from Kasarani landing beach in Lake Naivasha held a protest over threats and harassment by traders involved in buying immature fish.
According to the fishermen, the increase in cases of seining has spelled doom for the sector, which employs hundreds of people.
Traders, including Jeremiah Odera, have called for a reshuffle of the fisheries department in the sub-county, citing failure to perform their duties.
One trader, Jeremiah Odera, accused a senior county officer's connection of being used to oppress the fishermen.
He said, 'We have seen a case where one individual has been using her powers to buy undersize fish and these possess a major threat to the lake.'
Another trader, Korona Kamret, claimed that the business rivalry had led to the licenses of over 30 boats being canceled in unclear circumstances by the department of fisheries.
She added that women who owned boats were the most affected, raising tension in the estate that is also home to thousands of flower farm workers.
Beth Wangari echoed the sentiments, saying they were working in fear of arrest or cancellation of their licenses.
She said, 'This lake is meant to benefit all but one individual has caused us sleepless nights by trying to buy all harvested fish including under size ones.'
