This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
On October 03, 2019, Judith Otieno, a fishmonger in Kisumu, sold her fried fish at Jubilee market. She sources fish from fishermen who have largely adopted fish caging to counter the dwindling fish stock and the emergence of Chinese fish.
Alarmed by the growing number of fish cages in Lake Victoria, the Kisumu County Assembly has drafted a Bill to regulate the fisheries sector. The Bill, sponsored by John Atieno, chairman of the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Committee, aims to support the restoration of fish stocks and improve residents' diets.
According to Speaker Elisha Oraro, a certificate of registration and a licence will be issued to new investors who want to put up fish cages in the lake. 'All vessels operating in Lake Victoria from the Kisumu side will have to be dully registered and licenced,' Oraro disclosed.
The Bill proposes radical measures to curb the fast-growing floating cage system, including a fine of up to Sh10,000 or imprisonment of up to one year for those found in breach of fishing regulations.
Regular patrols will be carried out in the lake to enforce the regulations, which includes ensuring that all those who ply the waters use safety jackets. Nobody will be allowed to sail in the waters without wearing a life jacket, whether on a fishing expedition or sporting activity.
