Hundreds of fishermen in Lake Victoria are grappling to survive after losing their major source of income. This is after 50 tonnes of fish across 300 cages died in October, impeding their fishing business.
According to the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), the fish died due to a lack of oxygen because of how close the fish cages were.
"Boda boda riders, women who relied on the fishing activities, are among 6,000 people who are currently struggling to survive due to the fish deaths," Joakim Omollo, the chairman of the fishery, stated.
According to the farmers, their losses amount to over Ksh5 million.
Previously, 2,000 kilograms of fish were sold in the fishery, but now they can only get below 200 kilograms.
"Why can't the national government and the county government collaborate and fund us so we can go back to business and sustain ourselves like we previously did?" Pius Olenga a fish businessman, asked.
The fish cages had served as a solution for the ocean tiff between Kenyan and Ugandan fishermen. Kenyan fishermen faced regular harassment by security personnel from Uganda for encroachment and violation of the fishing policies in the disputed area of Migingo Islands.
The cold room in the little area where the fishermen stored their harvest has remained closed as less to no activities going on.
The fishermen have begun the process of transferring the fish cages to the areas with more water as advised by KMFRI.
According to them, they have made losses amounting to Ksh5 million and are now calling on Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Ali Hassan Joho and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma to fulfill the promise of compensating the fish farmers affected by the unfortunate event.
The CS had held a joint press briefing with Otuoma, and Busia, and announced that they have compensated the affected farmers by giving them Ksh7 million to facilitate the buying of fingerlings, plus an additional Ksh2.5 million to buy fish feeds.
This is not the first mass fish mortality event to occur in Lake Victoria. Thousands of fish died in 2022 and 2023 when some parts of the lake were severely affected, including Rudacho Beach.
