Coast Guard station launched in Lake Victoria
The government has set up a new Kenya Coast Guard Station in Mbita sub-county, Homa Bay county, to en- hance blue economy in Lake
Victoria.
New station is expected to create a conducive environment in Homa Bay, Siaya and Migori counties, which border the lake.
Director General of Kenya Coast guard Service Loonena Naisho, Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan and County Police Commander
Esther Seroney officiated the launch
on Friday.
The leaders said the station is expected to improve security in the water body for sustainable economic growth.
Three new boats were also unveiled. They include Mv Mageta, Mv Migingo and Mv Mkaguzi.
Security office will use them for patrol. MV Mageta will serve in Mageta Island in Siaya while the remaining two will be stationed in Mbita
to serve Homa Bay and Migori counties.
Speaking during the launch on Friday, Naisho said the station would
help reduce crime in the lake.
“The opening of this station will enhance security patrol to help eradicate illegal activities undertaken in Lake Victoria,” Naisho said.
He said the focus would be on en- forcing compliance on use of recommended to gear in order to protect Lake Victoria ecosystem.
Illegal fishing practices, which comprises use of undersize nets, outlawed fishing methods and fishing in breeding areas have been blamed on the dwindling fish stock in Lake Victoria, especially the young ones.
