This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has given the green light for the establishment of a Coast Guard station on the shores of Lake Victoria, with the project set to be completed in Homa Bay County within the next 12 months.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i made the announcement on Sunday during the official opening of the Othoro Police Post in Kabondo Kasipul constituency, where he also attended a fundraiser at Lala SDA Church in Homa Bay town.
The Coast Guard station is expected to complement the efforts of other security agents during patrols in the lake, as well as protect the country's territorial boundaries.
According to Matiang'i, the specialised maritime officers will work to effectively conduct patrols in the lake, providing relief to fishermen who have been facing constant harassment.
However, the CS accused ward representatives of interfering with the process of acquiring land to construct the coast guard station, calling on them to stop being obstacles in the process.
“The national and county governments serve the same people in Homa Bay County. Let MCAs stop being obstacles in the process of getting land for constructing the facility,” said Matiang’i.
The project is expected to be completed within the next 12 months, with the Coast Guard station set to be established in Homa Bay County.
