Matiang'i: State setting up coast guard base in Lake Victoria

The Government will establish a Coast Guard station on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said President Uhuru Kenyatta had approved the project, which will be set up in Homa Bay County in the next 12 months.

Dr Matiang’i spoke on Sunday when he officially opened the Othoro Police Post in Kabondo Kasipul constituency. The CS also attended a fundraiser at Lala SDA Church in Homa Bay town.

Matiang'i said the specialised maritime officers would complement the efforts of other security agents during patrols in the lake, as well as protect the country's territorial boundaries.

Same people

“We understand the constant harassment faced by our fishermen in the lake. Patrols will be conducted effectively through the coast guard service,” he said.

The CS, however, accused ward representatives of interfering with the process of acquiring land to construct the coast guard station.

“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 CS was accompanied by, among others, Homa Bay Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata, Senator Moses Kajwang’, Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga and Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara.