Drug traffickers, alcohol smugglers using Lake Victoria, says CS Murkomen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced plans to strengthen security on Lake Victoria in response to growing concerns over drug trafficking, illicit alcohol smuggling and insecurity affecting fishermen along the border waters.

Speaking during an official tour in Kisumu to assess the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), Murkomen said the government is intensifying maritime security as part of a nationwide crackdown on drugs, illicit brews, and cross-border crime.

“This year has been declared critical in the fight against drugs and illicit alcohol. Some of these substances are smuggled through Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana because they are international border waters,” he said.

Murkomen highlighted the role of the Coast Guard, established in 2018, in securing Kenya’s strategic waters, including Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, and the Indian Ocean.

An assessment of the service revealed gaps in equipment and manpower, prompting urgent interventions.

To address the shortfalls, the government is working with Kenya Shipyards Limited to rehabilitate nine patrol boats—four to be deployed in Kisumu and five in Mombasa and the larger Coast region.

The process will be fast-tracked to enable regular patrols and coordinated operations with other security agencies.

Acknowledging complaints from fishermen over harassment and theft of fish and fishing gear—sometimes involving officers from neighbouring countries—Murkomen stressed the need to protect citizens while respecting existing cross-border agreements.

“We already have a partnership with the Ugandan government on staff collaboration and community cooperation in managing the lake. While we respect these agreements, we must strengthen our capacity to protect our citizens,” he said.

To bolster manpower, an additional 200 trained officers from the Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Police Service will be deployed to reinforce the Coast Guard.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o welcomed the move, noting that Lake Victoria is a vital economic asset for the county and the wider Nyanza region.

He cited losses suffered by fish cage farmers and other lake investors due to insecurity, including overnight thefts.

“We appreciate the national government’s commitment to enhancing security on the lake. We will continue working with Beach Management Units and cage farmers to secure Lake Victoria and boost productivity,” Nyong’o said.

He also urged fishermen to collaborate with the Coast Guard and use the “Usalama Baharini” mobile app, describing it as a lifeline in emergencies.

Murkomen added that the findings from the assessment will inform policy decisions aimed at strengthening maritime security and safeguarding livelihoods, ensuring Lake Victoria remains safe and productive for all users.