President William Ruto has announced a Ksh 2.7 billion allocation aimed at curbing frequent accidents in Lake Victoria.

Speaking in Kisumu on Tuesday, November 26, the president revealed plans to establish a rescue and coordination center to enhance emergency response and improve safety in the region.

“Due to the major accidents and the tragic loss of lives caused by inadequate facilities and poor infrastructure, we have resolved to create a Lake Victoria Rescue and Coordination Center,” President Ruto stated.

“We are putting Ksh2.7 billion to make sure that any accident in Lake Victoria is attended to in record time so that we can better support the whole ecosystem there and make sure that this is going forward,” Ruto stated. 

Boat accidents on Lake Victoria, particularly in the Kisumu region, are often linked to mechanical failures, inadequate safety equipment, and unpredictable weather conditions.

One notable incident occurred on August 30, 2024, when four Coast Guard officers narrowly escaped after their patrol boat capsized near Ndere Island. The vessel reportedly developed mechanical issues, leading to sudden water ingress.

The officers were traveling from Siaya and Homa Bay, heading to the Kisumu station, when the accident took place. An eight-hour rescue operation, conducted in collaboration with officers from the Beach Management Unit (BMU) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), successfully saved them.

“All officers are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition. The swift coordination among the BMUs and agencies involved exemplified the highest standards of maritime safety, making sure that the officers were rescued,” KCGS said in a statement.