Let’s work together to boost fish farming in Lake Victoria, Ranguma to lakeside leaders

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has asked leaders from the five counties bordering Lake Victoria to consider how they can start exporting fish, as this would boost the fishing industry across the region.

Ranguma said that leaders of Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya, Busia and Kisumu Counties should come together to work on a plan that will see the region become a fish production hub.

Ranguma, who revealed that his government has already invested in cold storage facilities at the Kisumu International Airport, urged leaders to invest in aquaculture to produce more fish for both local and international markets.

He made the remarks when he attended the official opening of this year’s Siaya Agricultural Show at the County stadium. His host, Governor Cornel Rasanga, agreed with the proposal, adding that his government would support such a move.

Rasanga stated that the fishing industry can only be sustained through fish caging, and he directed his County Executive Committee member for Agriculture to find how they can distribute fish cages to county youth.

Speaking at the same event, Siaya County assembly Speaker George Okode decried harassment of  Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan authorities.

Mr. Okode disclosed that the fishermen had filed a report about the assault, adding that the Assembly had already kicked off investigations into the matter. He assured that the County would partner with the National Government to address the issue.