MPs move to transform Lake Naivasha as fishing community gets new landing sites
By Kiprono Keileb, November 14, 2025Lawmakers have moved to respond to long-standing cries from the Lake Naivasha fishing community, promising new landing sites, a cold storage facility and organised market spaces that will bring dignity and order to their daily work.
According to the statement posted by Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, the community will receive two fish landing sites, a cold storage facility, market stalls and a marketplace.
“Lake Naivasha Fishing community will receive two fish landing sites, a cold storage facility, market stalls and a market place, creating organised selling points for fish sales and increasing fish access to a larger customer base,” the statement reads
The announcement was made in Naivasha on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during the public participation session on the Fisheries Management and Development Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 29 of 2023).
“The announcement was made by Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi during the Public Participation exercise on the Fisheries Management and Development Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 29 of 2023) at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI), Naivasha upon listening to the concerns of stakeholders on the lake’s existing challenges including lack of refrigeration facilities and limited landing sites,” the statement reads
In the statement, Wamumbi said they went to collect views from stakeholders and understand the challenges. “We are here to collect views from stakeholders and understand the challenges not addressed in the Bill so that we handle them effectively and include your contributions in this Bill,” Wamumbi said.
The meeting brought together fishermen, community leaders and experts who have watched the lake struggle with pollution, shrinking breeding zones and encroachment of riparian land. Many of them used the moment to push for real change.
Grace Nyambura, the Lake Naivasha Patrol Leader, asked MPs to consider adding Beach Management Networks into the Bill. “Grace Nyambura, Lake Naivasha Patrol Leader, proposed that the Bill include Beach Management Networks, the establishment of fish breeding grounds, the expansion of landing sites, and clear guidelines for fish landing stations,” the statement reads
Stakeholders also recommended the inclusion of KEMFRI, KEBS and relevant ministries in technical committees to strengthen regulation. They raised concerns over pollution, calling for strict action to stop effluent entering the lake and the relocation of a dumpsite sitting dangerously close to the water.
The statement adds that fishermen proposed clarification of the Fishing Levy to cushion them during breeding and restocking seasons, removal of preferential licensing so all applicants follow the same process, and deregistration of vessels for a fresh national-level registration.
Experts from KEMFRI called for tighter rules on subsistence fishing and the creation of buffer zones to protect aquatic life. A Kenya Coast Guard officer urged MPs to address staffing gaps and the over-reliance on limited patrol teams.
MPs promised to act on the proposals, encouraging stakeholders to study the Bill and submit more views within a week, saying all input would be considered before the second reading.