Murkomen announces new strategy to tackle Lake Victoria insecurity
The government has announced a new security strategy to tackle rising insecurity, cross-border tensions, and criminal gangs operating on Lake Victoria.
Speaking on Thursday, September 18, 2025, during a regional security briefing on the sidelines of the Kisumu edition of Jukwaa la Usalama, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government will enhance the presence of security officers on the lake through increased deployment, modern equipment, and strengthened cross-border coordination with Uganda and Tanzania.
Fishermen at the centre
You might also like
Murkomen stressed that the insecurity on Lake Victoria is not just a Kisumu problem, but one that affects fishermen across Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties.
He said the enhanced patrols will protect Kenyan fishermen from harassment, safeguard livelihoods, and boost cross-border cooperation.
“This is not just a Kisumu problem; it is a problem affecting all our fishermen in Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay up to Migori. As the County and regional security team, we have agreed that the presence of our security officers in the Lake must be enhanced and that presence is not just about numbers, but also about equipment,” Murkomen said.
Watch: Government to beef up security and border patrols on Lake Victoria- CS Murkomen
“Thankfully, the president in the modernisation programme in the security sector has set aside resources that will ensure that we have more boats, and other important equipment that will help our officers to man the border in the lake and to work in joint collaboration with our neighbours in Uganda and Tanzania.”
No Role for Civilians in Security
Addressing concerns about vigilante groups and gangs in the western region, Murkomen made it clear that the National Police Service bears the sole responsibility for security.
“In this region and the Western region, we have one unique challenge, the question of goons and gangs. Let me say this, that as a security team and as the government of Kenya, the National Police Service cannot abdicate its responsibilities to civilians. The duty of the National Police Service is to provide security, and we have therefore requested our leaders to work with us to ensure that civilians do their civilian work and the security issues are handled by the security officers,” he said.
The enhanced operations, which will involve more boats, joint patrols, and closer ties with Uganda and Tanzania, are aimed at tackling border disputes, illegal fishing, and cross-border crime, while securing Kenya’s waters and protecting citizens who depend on the lake.
