It is a relief for fishermen at Lake Turkana as the patrol security boat donated by government begins operations at the lake.

In May, the government introduced the boat, valued at Ksh 50 million, to bolster security for those engaged in fishing activities on the lake.

The patrol boat, powered by a 300-horsepower petrol engine, will be operated by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) to enforce regulations against illegal fishing, license fishermen, and conduct rescue missions.

It will also support monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) across Kenya’s territorial waters on Lake Turkana.

Joseph Kasuti, the KeFS Assistant Director for the Lake Turkana Regional Office, highlighted that the boat’s operational area includes the counties of Turkana, Samburu, and Marsabit, as well as border regions between Kenya and Ethiopia.

A joint team from the County Government, KeFS, the State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries, and representatives from the Beach Management Unit (BMU) conducted the boat’s first test run on the lake.

“This lake has the potential to generate over Ksh 3 billion annually if properly utilized. With this facility, it will be easier to ensure that lake users fully comply with licensing requirements and use the recommended fishing nets,” Kasuti stated.

He also noted that the boat would be instrumental in supporting the livelihoods of over 7,000 fishermen who rely directly on the lake, as well as 250,000 others whose lives are indirectly connected to it.

“The boat will play a vital role in curbing illegal practices that threaten the sustainable use of the lake,” Kasuti emphasized.
Kasuti further pointed out that the lake has approximately 4,500 fishing vessels used by the local fishermen and other lake users.