Fishermen at Lake Turkana are relieved as the government-donated patrol security boat begins operations on the lake. Introduced in May, the boat, valued at Ksh 50 million, aims to enhance security for those involved in fishing activities.
Powered by a 300-horsepower petrol engine, the patrol boat will be operated by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) to enforce regulations against illegal fishing, license fishermen, and conduct rescue missions. It will also aid in monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) across Kenya’s territorial waters on Lake Turkana.
Joseph Kasuti, the KeFS Assistant Director for the Lake Turkana Regional Office, noted that the boat’s operational area includes Turkana, Samburu, and Marsabit counties, as well as border regions between Kenya and Ethiopia.
A joint team from the County Government, KeFS, the State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries, and representatives from the Beach Management Unit (BMU) conducted the boat’s first test run on the lake.
“This lake has the potential to generate over Ksh 3 billion annually if properly utilized. With this facility, it will be easier to ensure that lake users fully comply with licensing requirements and use the recommended fishing nets,” Kasuti stated. He emphasized that the boat would be crucial for supporting the livelihoods of over 7,000 fishermen who directly rely on the lake, as well as 250,000 others whose lives are indirectly connected to it.
“The boat will play a vital role in curbing illegal practices that threaten the sustainable use of the lake,” Kasuti added. He further highlighted that there are approximately 4,500 fishing vessels used by local fishermen and other lake users.
