Interior PS Omollo links Ruto’s second-term bid to equitable development

Speaking during an engagement with representatives of 20 Beach Management Units (BMUs) in Budalangi Constituency, Busia County, on Friday, November 13, Omollo said the government had prioritised communities that had historically received limited attention, including fishermen along Lake Victoria.

The PS argued that the fishing community deserved the same government support extended to farmers in other agricultural sectors, noting that the blue economy had for years suffered from underinvestment despite its potential to create jobs, improve livelihoods and contribute to food security.

"For the first time, we have a President who recognizes that fishermen deserve the same attention as tea farmers, dairy farmers, sugarcane farmers and other producers. The development of this country must benefit every Kenyan, regardless of where they come from or what they do for a living," Omollo said.

He linked his support for Ruto's second-term bid to the continuation of ongoing development programmes, urging residents to register as voters and participate in the electoral process ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election.

"Development must be undertaken without discrimination, tribalism or favouritism. That is the example President Ruto has set, and it is the responsibility of all of us serving in Government to ensure that every Kenyan benefits," he stated.

On fisheries development, Omollo announced that two of Busia County's 20 beaches were being developed into modern fish landing sites to improve fish handling, market access and economic opportunities for local communities.

He said the government was also developing modern fish landing sites, piers, markets and cold storage infrastructure across Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori counties.

"We cannot continue investing in other agricultural sectors while leaving fishermen behind. If we are supporting tea farmers, coffee farmers and sugarcane farmers, then we must equally support those whose livelihoods depend on fishing," Omollo stated.

He added that modern markets equipped with cold storage facilities, electricity and water would help fishermen and traders preserve their catch, minimise post-harvest losses and secure better prices.

On maritime security, the PS announced plans to increase the deployment of Kenya Coast Guard Service officers in Busia County and strengthen their operational capacity through additional safety and patrol boats.

He cited persistent challenges facing fishermen on Lake Victoria, including cross-border disputes involving Kenyan and Ugandan fishermen, theft of fishing equipment and threats to their safety while undertaking fishing activities.

"We have agreed with our security leadership that we must increase the number of Kenya Coast Guard Service officers deployed here and provide additional safety boats. Our fishermen should be able to go about their work without fear of harassment or insecurity," he said.

Omollo added that the government would work with BMU leadership to facilitate the provision of sufficient life jackets and improve access to safety boats to reduce risks associated with fishing activities.

Turning to the management of fishermen's cooperatives, the PS called for improved accountability and financial management, urging leaders of the county's four cooperatives to ensure members' contributions were properly utilised.

"When you contribute your money to a cooperative, it must not become money for the leaders to use for their personal interests. These resources must be properly managed so that members can borrow, invest in fishing equipment, repay their loans and allow others to benefit," he said.

On public service delivery, Omollo directed chiefs, assistant chiefs and other National Government Administration Officers to strengthen public engagement and ensure government services were accessible without discrimination.

He particularly called for the removal of additional vetting requirements previously imposed on residents of border counties seeking national identity cards, insisting that Busia residents should receive the same treatment as applicants in other parts of the country.

"A Kenyan living in Busia should not be subjected to more questions or additional requirements when applying for an identity card than someone living in Nairobi or Kericho. Government services must be provided equally, without discrimination or favouritism," Omollo stated.

He further instructed administrators to regularly convene public barazas at village, sub-location and location levels to communicate government programmes, listen to citizens and provide feedback on issues raised.

The PS also challenged BMU leaders to relay the discussions and commitments made during the engagement to fishermen at their respective beaches.

"Government officials must come to the grassroots, listen to the people and account for what they are doing," he said, adding that leaders should promote national cohesion and avoid divisive politics.

The engagement brought together Principal Secretary for Economic Planning Bonface Makokha, national government administrators, elected leaders, BMU officials and representatives of fishing communities across Busia County.