The Government, through the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), has rolled-out an extensive safety training programme targeting Lake Victoria users in a move aimed at improving safety, professionalism, and compliance within the maritime sector.
The initiative seeks to ensure that all individuals operating on the lake are properly trained, certified, and equipped with essential safety knowledge to reduce accidents and fatalities.
Speaking during an engagement with Beach Management Unit (BMU) members and other stakeholders at Bunyala Technical Training Institute in Busia County, KMA officer Oliver Maina raised concern over the high number of unqualified boat operators in Busia.
“We have around 1,300 boats operating in Busia, and the majority of those handling them are not certified or accredited. This exposes them and their passengers to serious risks while on the lake. The government is going to facilitate training for all operators, so that they can gain the required knowledge, be examined, and eventually certified to operate legally and safely,” he said.
Maina further revealed that the Authority has set a strict timeline, noting that within the next three years, only trained and certified individuals, will be allowed to operate boats on Lake Victoria.
“In the near future, there will be no room for unlicensed operators. Anyone without proper certification will not be allowed to conduct any activities on the lake,” he warned.
He further disclosed that 400 youth from the Lake Victoria region will be trained in tailoring skills specifically for manufacturing life-saving gear.
“This initiative will address key challenges of affordability, availability, and quality of lifejackets. Currently, a lifejacket costs about Sh 3,000, which is out of reach for many. Through local production, we aim to reduce the cost to approximately Sh 1,500, thereby, making it accessible to many people,” he explained.
In response to the increasing unpredictability of weather conditions on Lake Victoria, KMA is also introducing a Maritime Safety Information Service system that will provide real time weather updates and safety alerts to users.
“Lake Victoria is known for sudden and extreme weather changes. Through this system, we will ensure that fishermen and other users receive timely information that can help them make safer decisions before and during their activities,” he said.
Maina also indicated that there has been rapid growth in motorised boats on the lake, which has not been matched with adequate technical expertise.
“Between 2013 and 2025, we have recorded a 40 percent increase in motorisation, with approximately 9,800 boats currently using engines. However, the number of trained technicians remains very low. 200 individuals are going to undertake specialized training in boat engine mechanics to ensure that vessels are properly maintained and safe for use.”
In addition, the Authority is working towards registering and regulating boat builders to eliminate the use of substandard vessels, which have been identified as a major contributor to accidents.
The official a pointed-out that negligence and poor safety culture continue to pose significant challenges in the maritime sector.
“Between 2015 and 2025, we recorded 520 water accidents, with about 40 percent attributed to incompetence, negligence, human error, and low safety awareness. Unfortunately, these incidents resulted in 269 fatalities,” he revealed.
KMA Nyanza Regional Director Henry Mosaru disclosed that the government is investing approximately Ksh 4.6 billion in the broader maritime safety project, which includes infrastructure development and emergency response systems.
Mosaru said the project will establish a fully equipped search and rescue centre in Kisumu, along with sub-centres in Busia, Migori, Siaya, and Homa Bay counties.
“We want to enhance our capacity to respond swiftly to emergencies on the lake. These centers will play a critical role in saving lives by ensuring faster response and coordinated rescue operations,” Mosaru said.
He added that the initiative aims to align operations on Lake Victoria with both national laws and international maritime safety standards.
The Director further urged all lake users to prioritize their safety by consistently wearing lifejackets while on the water.
“Failure to wear lifejackets has led to avoidable loss of lives. We are calling on everyone to take personal responsibility because safety starts with the individual,” he emphasised.
Busia County Beach Management Unit Network Chairperson, Sylvester Kaywa, welcomed the government’s intervention, noting that it addresses long-standing challenges faced by local communities.
“Our major concerns have been safety and the high cost of protective gear. This program is timely because it not only enhances safety, but also empowers our youth through skills training,” said Kaywa.
Kaywa observed that the training initiatives will open-up employment opportunities in the maritime sector, particularly in areas such as lifejacket production and boat maintenance.
He at the same time lauded plans to establish a search and rescue sub-center at Mulukoba, saying it will significantly improve emergency response in the area.
“In the past, responding to accidents has been difficult due to distance and poor coordination. With the new center, we expect a quicker response and better outcomes,” he noted.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
