MPs pledge support for Naivasha fishing community amid pollution, oversight concerns
According to a statement shared by Parliament, the community will receive two designated fish landing sites, a cold storage unit, market stalls, and a central marketplace.
Members of Parliament have unveiled plans to improve conditions for the Lake Naivasha fishing community, promising new landing points, a cold storage facility and structured marketplaces to enhance trade and organisation for those working along the lake.
The announcement came on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during a public participation session on the Fisheries Management and Development Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 29 of 2023).
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According to a statement shared by Parliament, the community will receive two designated fish landing sites, a cold storage unit, market stalls, and a central 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 forum, held at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI) in Naivasha, was led by Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, who said the event aimed to gather input directly from those affected by current gaps in the Bill.
“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.
Fishermen, local leaders, and specialists shared their experiences, highlighting problems such as pollution, shrinking fish breeding zones, and encroachment on riparian land.
Grace Nyambura, Lake Naivasha patrol leader, urged MPs to incorporate Beach Management Networks into the Bill and stressed the need for clear regulations, expanded landing sites, and the creation of fish breeding areas.
Participants also recommended including KEMFRI, KEBS, and relevant ministries in technical committees to strengthen oversight.
Concerns were raised about effluent entering the lake and a nearby dumpsite that poses risks to water quality.
Fishermen also suggested clarifying the Fishing Levy to support them during breeding and restocking periods, eliminating preferential licensing, and deregistering vessels to allow a fresh national registration exercise.
Experts from KEMFRI called for tighter controls on subsistence fishing and the introduction of buffer zones to protect aquatic life.
A Kenya Coast Guard officer emphasised the need to fill staffing gaps and reduce reliance on the small number of existing patrol teams.
MPs assured participants that all proposals would be considered and urged stakeholders to review the Bill and submit additional recommendations within a week before the second reading.
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