Ruto unveils Sh2.7 billion plan to combat accidents in Lake Victoria
By Lucy Mumbi |
The centres are part of a broader effort to make Lake Victoria safer for all its users, particularly fishermen who face significant risks on the water.
The government has allocated Sh2.7 billion to address frequent accidents in Lake Victoria. President William Ruto noted that the country has suffered significant loss of life due to inadequate and poorly maintained infrastructure.
To mitigate these challenges, he said the government plans to establish a Lake Victoria Rescue and Coordination Centre.
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He spoke during the opening of the fourth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Conference in Kisumu.
"We are putting Sh2.7 billion to make sure that any accidents in Lake Victoria are attended to in record time so that we can support the whole ecosystem," he said, emphasising the importance of swift response to accidents on the lake.
The investment, according to the President, will focus on enhancing transportation and communication systems around the lake, alongside the establishment of five rescue centres in Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties.
The centres are part of a broader effort to make Lake Victoria safer for all its users, particularly fishermen who face significant risks on the water.
"We have started a significant project to help our fishermen avoid accidents while on the lake. Should an accident occur, they will be able to receive assistance through the rescue centre today," he said.
Earlier in August, during the commissioning of the Lake Victoria Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Kisumu, President Ruto announced the start of construction on the facility. The centre aims to create a safer environment for fishermen and others using the lake. He also highlighted the alarming statistic that around 5,000 people lose their lives in Lake Victoria annually.
The President expressed the government's commitment to reducing these fatalities, reiterating the importance of ensuring that those who rely on the lake for their livelihoods can do so safely.
"This initiative is part of the broader goal of enhancing the country’s food security," he said.
Kenya Maritime Authority Director General Martin Munga further outlined the plans for the Kisumu facility, which will be equipped with rescue boats, ambulances, and evacuation helicopters.
The centre will also include an operational centre, security control, communications room and regional coordination office.
To ensure round-the-clock assistance, Munga revealed that the centre will have communication systems designed to respond to distress calls, including toll-free numbers for those using the lake for fishing and transport.
"We are thinking of having toll-free numbers so that those at the border and all using the lake can reach us easily to receive any distress messages, 24 hours a day," he said.
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