The Kenya Coast Guard Service in partnership with International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched an outreach initiative to mend its strained relationship with the fishing community in Lake Victoria.

Following numerous complaints from fishermen about how they were being handled, the Coast Guard has initiated training and engagement events to build trust and improve safety on the water.

Led by Captain Mwadungu Mwinyi, commander of Kenya’s inland waters, the officers held a series of events in Rarieda and Bondo sub-counties.

The training focused on maritime safety measures, aiming to reduce the number of drowning deaths among fishermen.

“First, the aim of the entire event is to train the fishermen on the safety measures in case of an accident in the lake,” said Captain Mwinyi.

“Secondly, we also want to tell the fishing community that we are not the enemy. In fact, we are here because we want to help. The Coast Guard Service was established a few years ago, and many did not understand our mandates.”

Captain Mwinyi also addressed the issue of Kenyan fishermen being harassed and arrested by Ugandan security officers.

He urged fishermen to report such incidents to the Coast Guard immediately.

“We want the fishermen to inform our officers immediately because no fisherman should be harassed in Kenya,” he stated.

Willis Ochieng, the Siaya Beach Management Unit (BMU) coordinator, confirmed that the lack of understanding about the new service’s role had been a source of conflict.

“Now that the gap has been bridged, we look forward to a new working relationship,” he said.

The initiative follows a recent pledge by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to enhance security on the lake.

Speaking at the Jukwaa La Usalama forum, he addressed the challenges fishermen face at the hands of Ugandan officials and promised a resolution through bilateral talks.