Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho
has pledged that the government will not relent in its collective efforts to empower young people and women as this was essential to expanding economic opportunities and building an inclusive society.
Mr. Joho said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to unlocking potential, creating opportunities and promoting prosperity.
“When we empower our youth and women, we empower Kenya,” Joho said
Speaking during a Youth and Women Empowerment Funds Drive in Nakuru, the Cabinet Secretary commended Governor Susan Kihika for hosting the event and for her continued commitment to development in the region.
Several Members of Parliament attended the funds drive, including David Gikaria of Nakuru Town East, Zaheer Jhanda of Nyaribari Chache, Phelix Odiwuor of Langata, Japheth Nyakundi of Kitutu Chache North and Irene Njoki of Bahati.
Mr. Joho pledged to facilitate fishing licenses for fishermen around Lake Nakuru and called on security agencies to stop harassing young people seeking livelihoods.
He said the government would work towards a licensing arrangement to enable fishermen to engage in fishing legally.
He also directed the police and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to address complaints of harassment and ensure fishermen’s safety.
The event was held at the Agricultural Society of Kenya showground in Nakuru.
The event, hosted by Governor Susan Kihika, brought together national and county leaders to support economic empowerment and discuss challenges affecting local communities.
Joho’s commitment comes amid longstanding tensions between fishermen living near Lake Nakuru National Park and wildlife officers enforcing restrictions on fishing.
Residents have raised concerns about arrests, alleged abuse and the safety of young people who enter the lake to fish.
In March 2026, the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations ordered an immediate halt to fishing in Lake Nakuru National Park.
The committee cited concerns over fish safety and petitions alleging forced disappearances of young fishermen.
It also directed security and environmental agencies to investigate the allegations.
According to Joho, the dispute presents a challenge for the government as it seeks to balance livelihood opportunities with public health and conservation requirements.
A report published in March 2026, studies had found fish from the lake unsafe for human consumption because of toxic heavy metals.
“Any licensing arrangement will therefore need to address these findings and comply with applicable conservation and public health requirements,” said Joho.
Kihika on the other hand urged the police commander to ensure officers stopped harassing fishermen and young people seeking to earn a living.
She called for cooperation between security agencies and residents to address local concerns without compromising public safety.
The governor also announced that her administration would provide free uniforms to Early Childhood Development Education pupils from January.
She said the county would also introduce capitation support for youth, although she did not provide details on the funding allocation or eligibility criteria in the information available.
Kihika said the initiatives were intended to ease household expenses and support young people.
“The measures add to the county’s broader mandate to promote youth development, gender equality, social protection and economic inclusion through its Department of Youth, Sports, Gender, Social Services and Inclusivity,” said Kihika.
She also urged residents to reject tribalism and divisive politics, calling for peaceful coexistence and cooperation across communities.
Kihika also called for support for the broad-based government, saying collaboration was important in addressing development challenges.
The empowerment event included cash contributions from national and county leaders towards the initiative totaling at least Sh35.5 million.
President William Ruto and Joho each contributed Sh10 million, while Kihika gave Sh5 million.
Other contributions included Sh2 million each from Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, and Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie and Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria each contributed Sh1 million.
On the other hand, Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama, Bahati MP Irene Njoki and Nakuru Town East parliamentary aspirant Kamau Maina contributed Sh500,000, Sh500,000 and Sh1 million respectively.
The total reflects only the contributions itemised in the information provided; additional contributions announced or handed over at the event could increase the final amount.
The event highlighted the connection between economic empowerment and the need to address barriers facing vulnerable groups.
For fishermen around Lake Nakuru, the key test will be whether the government can provide a lawful and safe route to livelihoods while resolving concerns over enforcement, fish contamination and conservation.
by Jane Ngugi and Jefther Afuyo
