Fishermen in Homa Bay County have been urged to adhere to maritime regulations and safety precautions while fishing.
The Chairman of Doho Beach Management Unit Kennedy Juma told their members in the county to also ensure that they are registered with relevant authorities and licensed to operate.
“Our management has put in place rules to ensure that every member adheres to the government regulations to avoid blame games,” said Juma.
The Chairman said that they have a lot of challenges at the lake as far as fishing is concerned.
He said lack of jobs in other sectors had pushed thousands to venture into the lake resulting in over fishing.
“The number of young fishermen is now increasing in the lake due to unemployment, therefore, we are urging the government to create more jobs for youths to curb the situation,” said Juma.
One of the Doho Beach Management Unit members Elias Nyabera pleaded with fellow members to avoid drug abuse in order to prevent frequent accidents in the lake.
“I am calling upon my fellow fishermen who have been indulging in drug abuse which have led them to cause preventable accidents in the lake to avoid such activities,” said Nyabera.
He also pleaded with the government to increase patrol boats to swiftly assist them whenever accidents occur in the lake. Besides, they asked the government to provide them with standard life jackets.
By Brian Odhiambo
