Plans are underway to establish two bases for the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) personnel to maintain law and order in Lake Victoria.
The Ministry of Interior said the new bases will be established in Homa Bay town and Mfangano Island.
The state had already a KCGS base in Mbita town, Suba North constituency.
KCGS officers at the base are also mandated to provide security for Kenyan fishermen through patrol they undertake in different parts of the lake within Kenyan borders.
Most Kenyan fishermen have continually complained of harassment they get from neighbouring countries' security authorities when undertaking their fishing operations
The fishermen normally point accusing fingers at Uganda and Tanzania security authorities.
There are claims they arrest Kenyan fishermen and subject them to heavy fines over trespass during fishing expeditions.
Sometimes Kenyan fishermen are forced to feed on raw fish as their gears also get destroyed.
On Friday, Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo announced that they are working on ways of addressing insecurity challenges in the lake.
Omollo said they are planning to create two more KCGS patrol bases and deploy extra officers to boost security for Kenyans using the lake.
“Establishing more KCGS units in Homa Bay and Mfangano Island is meant to bring law and order to Lake Victoria. I assure you that the government is committed to addressing insecurity challenges Kenyans face when undertaking their fishing activities,” Omollo said.
Speaking when he led a funds drive to aid in improving infrastructures at Kakiimba Secondary School in Mfangano Island, Suba North constituency, the PS said they understand the difficulties Kenyan fishermen are faced with in the lake.
Last month, President William Ruto visited Mfangano Island where Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga appealed to him to address the insecurity issues because Kenyan fishermen were still faced with a lot of threats.
They argued that the country is not likely to realize the full potential of Lake Victoria especially in the blue economy should such persecution of Kenyan fishermen continue to be witnessed.
“Nyanza people petitioned the president when he visited this region last month. You asked him to address the security problems that you face and that is why we're establishing two more patrol bases,” Omollo said.
The PS was hosted by former Raila Odinga's aide Silas Jakakimba and was accompanied by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, his Lang’ata counterpart Felix Odiwuor and Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo.
Other PSs accompanied him included Alex Wachira (Energy), Betty Njagi (Fisheries), Julius Bitok (Immigrations) and Joseph Mbugua(Roads).
Wachira and Njagi assured residents that they are going to implement the projects initiated in the area.
“We're going to establish a mini-grid station at Takawiri Island to enhance electricity power provision to the people,” Wachira said.
Caroli said they are working closely with the national government to develop the people.
He argued that the Nyanza region has lagged in development for long adding that it is time they changed the trend.
“Nyanza has great economic potential which we as the leaders and residents must get ready to unlock. We have decided to support the government of the day to ensure we develop together,” Caroli said.
The Suba South MP said through the government of President Ruto, Suba people have received a new sub-county called Suba Central.
The state has also assured residents of building the sub-county headquarters in Sena, Mfangano Island.
The government is also planning to tarmac a 54km Mfangano Island ring road.
“Suba Central was created to take government services closer to people in Islands in the lake,” he added.
