Lake Victoria fisheries stakeholders have rejected a proposed two year transition period for fishermen using illegal fishing gear and methods, warning that the extended grace period could accelerate the depletion of fish stocks in the lake.
Speaking today in kisumu led by their national chairman Mr. Tom Oguda, the stakeholders are instead proposing a transition period of not more than one month, saying this would give fishermen sufficient time to comply with the law while protecting the lake from further exploitation.
The position is contained in a memorandum adopted by Lake Victoria (Kenya) stakeholders during a meeting held at Kisumu Hotel on Wednesday, August 13, 2026, to deliberate on the Fisheries Management and Development Bill, 2023.
The stakeholders said they were particularly opposed to the proposed two year transition period contained in Clause 41, arguing that allowing fishermen to continue using illegal fishing gear and methods for such a long period would undermine efforts to restore declining fish stocks.
“Any leeway given with such a transition period will render the fisheries stocks into collapse,” the stakeholders said in their resolutions.
They argued that, as fishermen and co managers of the Lake Victoria fishery, they had witnessed first hand the impact of destructive fishing practices and increasing pressure on the lake’s resources.
They therefore proposed that the transition period be reduced to a maximum of one month to minimise what they described as mischief, unsanctioned illegal fishing activities and misuse of the lake.
They said the shorter period would strike a balance between allowing fishermen to adjust to the new requirements and ensuring that the lake’s fishery is protected from further depletion.
The stakeholders also strongly supported the retention of the closed fishing season, describing it as a critical fisheries management and conservation measure that has historically helped protect fish stocks.
According to the memorandum, the closed season provides an opportunity for fish to breed and supports the recovery of heavily exploited and declining stocks.
The stakeholders said the measure is particularly important for protecting breeding adult fish and nursery grounds during periods when the fish are most vulnerable.
They urged lawmakers to retain the provision in the Fisheries Management and Development Bill, saying scientific evidence supports the use of closed seasons as an important conservation tool.
The stakeholders raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of Lake Victoria, citing declining fish stocks, increasing fishing pressure, destruction of critical habitats, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and poor water quality caused mainly by pollution.
They cited fisheries data showing that fish catches stood at about 70,000 metric tonnes in 2025, valued at approximately Sh12 billion, representing an 18.3 per cent decline compared with the 86,394 metric tonnes recorded in 2022.
They warned that continued use of destructive fishing methods, particularly the harvesting of juvenile fish in gazetted breeding areas, could further undermine the lake’s ability to replenish its stocks.
The stakeholders also expressed concern over pollution, saying poor water quality remains another major threat to the sustainability of the lake’s fisheries.
Lake Victoria is a major economic and livelihood resource for communities around the lake and across the East African region.
The Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization was established by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to promote cooperation and sustainable management of the shared fisheries resources.
The stakeholders said sustainable management of the lake was essential not only for fishermen but also for the wider communities whose livelihoods and businesses depend on fishing, fish processing and marketing.
They noted that members of Beach Management Units and their networks depend on a healthy and productive lake for sustainable fishing and the production and marketing of quality fish products.
The stakeholders concluded their resolutions with a call for greater commitment to conservation, saying: “We conserve the lake today for us to fish tomorrow.”
The resolutions are expected to form part of the stakeholders’ position as the Fisheries Management and Development Bill, 2023 progresses through the legislative process.
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