Busia fishermen have praised William Samoei Ruto’s administration for what they described as significant improvements in infrastructure, security and economic opportunities along the beaches of Lake Victoria, saying the interventions have improved livelihoods and strengthened the fisheries sector.
The fishermen spoke during an engagement forum in Bunyala Sub-County, Busia County, where Interior Principal Secretary Ray Omollo met members of Beach Management Units (BMUs) to explain government programmes and receive feedback on service delivery.
Those who addressed the meeting described fishing as the backbone of the local economy, noting that thousands of residents depend directly and indirectly on activities taking place along the lake.
They said the sector supports fishermen, fish traders, transporters and other businesses operating around landing sites.
Fishing Sector Support for Busia Fishermen
Speakers at the forum said government investments in fisheries infrastructure had begun changing conditions at the beaches, pointing to the construction and improvement of fish-handling facilities, access roads, and electricity connections serving fishing communities.
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They also credited the government with improving security on the lake through increased surveillance and the deployment of additional resources to protect fishermen and their equipment.
According to the residents, stronger security has helped create a more stable environment for fishing and trade activities.
Local fishermen said recent interventions had demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting communities that depend on the lake for their livelihoods.
They noted that improved services and infrastructure were making fishing activities more efficient while also opening economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Residents highlighted the role played by government-backed security operations, including the presence of Coast Guard units and patrols along the lake.
They said the programmes had strengthened confidence among fishermen and contributed to improved activity at landing sites.
Busia fishermen said that growth in fish landings and related business activities benefits a wide range of people beyond fishermen.
They explained that fish traders, transport operators and vendors all earn income from the movement of fish from landing sites to markets within and outside the county.
Bodaboda operators attending the forum said increased fishing activity had created more transport opportunities, enabling them to earn income by carrying fish and traders between beaches and markets.
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They described the fisheries value chain as a major source of jobs for local residents.
Government Engagement
Addressing the gathering, Interior PS Raymond Omollo said the government had made deliberate efforts to improve the welfare of fishing communities through investments in infrastructure and essential services across beaches along Lake Victoria.
“Personally, I have seen three regimes. I can confirm that William Samoei Ruto has committed to serve the fisherfolk. He has ensured there is infrastructure, fish-handling facilities, access roads, electricity, and all that. He has also provided speedboats to a number of landing sites and BMU networks,” said PS Raymond Omollo.
The Principal Secretary said residents no longer needed lengthy explanations about government projects because they could directly see the impact of the investments in their communities.
“People all along have seen government to be far away from the wananchi. You don’t need to over-explain to them because they can see for themselves what the government has done for them,” he said.
Omollo said the current administration had embraced direct engagement with citizens as part of efforts to bring government services closer to the people and ensure concerns raised at the grassroots level are addressed.
He said these engagements give national government officials an opportunity to listen to residents, explain ongoing programmes, and discuss solutions to challenges facing local communities, including those in the fisheries sector.
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