NAIROBI, Jan 30 (NNN-KBC) — Ali Hassan Joho, the Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary, has urged the East African Community states to develop a framework for managing the resources of Lake Victoria, aiming to reduce the frequent skirmishes between fishermen and security agencies.
During a visit to Wich Lum beach in Bondo sub-county, as part of a tour of fish landing sites in Siaya County, Joho noted that such a framework would promote harmony in the use of shared resources by providing guidelines for resolving arising issues.
“Our people do not go to the lake because they like being there. They go there to look for daily bread” he stated, adding that he plans to visit Uganda to discuss with his counterpart the need to address the ongoing harassment of Kenyan fishermen.
His remarks followed complaints from fishermen who expressed concerns over the constant threat posed by Ugandan security forces to their activities.
At the same time, Joho, accompanied by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Principal Secretary for Blue Economy Betsy Njagi, County Commissioner Norbert Komora, and Bondo Member of Parliament Gedion Ochanda, reiterated that his Ministry will not permit large-scale mining companies to operate in the country without adhering to proper procedures.
He asserted that any mining company wishing to operate must obtain written consent from the local community and the county government before applying for a licence from his office.
During his tour of Usenge and Asembo Bay beaches, Joho said mining companies are required to comply with mining regulations and contribute a stipulated percentage of their profits to the community, county, and national government.
He called on National Government Administrative Officers to take the lead in enforcing the law and identifying individuals engaged in illegal mining within their jurisdictions. — NNN-KBC
