The announcement that fish from Lake Naivasha is safe for human consumption has brought a much-needed relief to the lakeside economy, saving hundreds of fishermen, fishmongers, and traders from fears of government ban.

For months, growing fears over pollution had raised alarm among residents and business owners in Naivasha town.  Rumours that chemicals from flower farms and untreated waste were contaminating rivers feeding the lake had triggered panic among consumers and reduced demand for local fish. But confirmation from the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute that all fish species in the lake are safe to eat has helped restore confidence in the sector.

“We are working with other agencies like the Water Resources Authority in monitoring the quality of water flowing into Lake Naivasha and we can affirm that the fish is safe,” said Edna Waithaka, a research scientist with the institute.

This reassurance has been a lifeline to the many families who depend on the lake’s daily catch for their income. On Banda and Karagita beaches, the scene has quickly returned to normal. Hundreds of boats dock early in the morning, offloading tilapia, catfish, and black bass for sale to local homes and restaurants. Some people had stopped buying. They feared the fish was poisoned. But now that the scientists have confirmed it’s safe, customers are back. The fish trade supports not only the fishermen but also traders, transporters, food vendors, and restaurants.

Travellers and residents

In Karagita, dozens of women scale and fry fish along the beach, supplying local eateries with fresh meals for travellers and residents.

Naivasha’s economy is deeply tied to the lake. Apart from floriculture and tourism, fishing remains one of the most important sources of daily income for residents. Grace Nyambura, who represents the Beach Management Units, said fisherfolk were relieved but also aware of the long-term threats.

“It’s evident that the quality and quantity of water goes down from the upper catchment to downstream and we need to address this before it affects the lake’s ecosystem,” she said.

The lake is fed by rivers such as Gilgil, whose flow has declined due to illegal water abstraction, erosion, and poor land use. During a recent tour of the Gilgil River, the Lake Naivasha Basin Landscape Association warned that the river, once permanent, has now become seasonal.