This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
Published on May 19, 2020, security agencies in Nyanza are grappling with the rising number of foreigners sneaking into Siaya County from neighboring countries through Lake Victoria.
Tanzanian and Ugandan nationals are reportedly sneaking into the country through Mageta, Ndeda, and Oyamo islands in Siaya County.
The illegal migration now poses serious challenges to security agencies in the region, amid the risk of coronavirus infections.
Residents of the islands are at risk of contracting coronavirus following the influx of foreigners.
Mr. Joseph Odongo, a resident of Mageta Island, says most of them now live in fear, calling on security agencies to curtail the cross-border movements.
Security agencies have decided to map key islands that are emerging as preferred illegal routes by the foreigners.
The foreigners are avoiding border points in Isebania in Migori County and Busia, which are already under tight surveillance to control the possibility of importing Covid-19 from the two countries.
A police officer revealed that while the Tanzanians who sneak to Bondo are interested in gold business, the Ugandans trade in charcoal, maize, and other cereals in Usenge beach, Mageta island, and Osieko on the border of Siaya and Busia counties.
However, a source from the Siaya County Covid-19 response team said some Tanzanians may be fleeing from the disease back home.
"We are not ruling out the possibility that the other reason for more people crossing over from Tanzania could be out of fear of Covid-19 in that country," the source said.
