This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
Kenya has launched talks with Uganda and Tanzania to resolve the long-standing issue of harassment of its fishermen in Lake Victoria, with the goal of introducing free fishing in the region.
The move comes in response to the increasing mistreatment of Kenyan fishermen by security forces from neighboring countries, who have imposed strict restrictions on fishing in the lake.
According to local fishermen, they are frequently arrested and detained by Ugandan authorities for allegedly flouting fishing regulations. The fishermen from Busia and Homa Bay counties are the most affected.
On Friday night, six Kenyan fishermen from Remba Island in Suba North Sub-county were arrested and detained in Hama Island in Uganda. The Ugandan security officials confiscated their fishing gear, including nets and two boats.
Remba Island Beach Management Unit Network Chairman Semekiah Mamra stated that the fishermen are now scared of going fishing due to the fear of being arrested.
'Barely a week passes before one of us, or a group of fishermen, is arrested and detained or tortured and left in the water,' he said.
Kenya's Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary Ababu Namwamba has assured that the government is engaging high-level government officers from Uganda and Tanzania to end the restrictions.
'I am optimistic that the engagement will be supported by the three governments,' he said in Homa Bay County.
Mr. Namwamba emphasized that the movement on the lake should not be restricted, as fishermen depend on the entire lake to earn a living.
He pointed out that the regulations of the East African Community recommend sharing of resources.
