Ruto promises revival of key road projects, fisheries in his Nyanza tour

President William Ruto at the official opening of the Homabay UDA office. [Michael Mute, Standard]

President William Ruto has pledged to engage his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni to address the frequent harassment of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan authorities.

This came as the Head of State unveiled several projects in Homa Bay County targeting to revive the region's fisheries, infrastructure and housing.

For the second day in a row, the president called for national unity to help unlock the country's development potential.

In Suba South, the president launched the construction of the 53-kilometre Ring Road at Mfangano Island. The road is among the key projects tipped to improve mobility and access to beaches and fish landing sites on the island.

Alarmed by the complaints of the continued harassment of fishermen in Lake Victoria by Ugandan authorities, Ruto promised to fly to Uganda on Tuesday to address the issue with his Museveni.

Harassment of Kenyan fishermen in Lake Victoria has been a serious concern in the recent past. The fishermen from Homa Bay, Siaya and Busia counties have been complaining of being arrested and detained in Uganda.

Some of them claim Ugandan officials have been forcefully taking their fish and forcing them to eat raw fish after arresting them in the lake. “I am going to discuss the matter with my colleague Museveni on Tuesday to address harassment of fishermen in Lake Victoria. We need good neighbourhood in the usage of Lake Victoria resources,” Ruto said.

He said he would ensure the people of Kenya co-exist well with their Ugandan counterparts. The President said his administration is committed to ensuring the safety of fishermen who eke out a living in Lake Victoria.

He stated the discussion aims to ensure security officers guarding the lake use their powers to protect fishermen, but not to harass them. “The work of our security officers is to safeguard fishermen and their property in Lake Victoria. We want our fishermen to operate in a conducive atmosphere,” Ruto added.

The Head of State also issued a permit of operation to a local player in the fishing industry's farms and described it as a testimony to how the government can nurture businesses.

The enterprise is one of Africa’s biggest fish farms, producing more than 50 tonnes of tilapia daily and creating more than 5,000 jobs for the locals.

As part of the efforts to transform and improve transport in the lake, the President also inspected the Homa Bay pier which is set to undergo rehabilitation. 

In its heydays, the pier was a frontier for lake tourism and trade.

The government envisions reviving it alongside Kendu Bay and Asembo Bay, with Kenya Ports Authority planning to purchase a Sh600 million ship to revive lake transport. 

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga appealed to President Ruto to boost the security of fishermen in Lake Victoria by deploying more security officers.

Wanga said the Kenya Coast Guard Service officers should be empowered to enhance their efforts in safeguarding Lake Victoria.

“The security of fishermen in Lake Victoria is key and should be enhanced by empowering our security officers who man the lake,” Wanga said. 

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi said the Abasuba community had made a declaration to work with the government. “As the people of Suba, we have unanimously resolved to work with the government to enhance implementation of development in our region,” Omondi said.

Omondi said the cooperation will address numerous development gaps which have existed in the region for long. “Suba region has lagged in development. This collaboration will transform the lives of many people here,” Omondi said.

Later, Ruto launched the tarmacking of the Mbita-Sindo-Magunga-Sori road, accompanied by several MPs from Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions, and cabinet secretaries.

Today, the president will pitch a tent in Migori to unveil several projects.

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