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{
    "id": 905651,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/905651/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 112,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. M. Kajwang’",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13162,
        "legal_name": "Moses Otieno Kajwang'",
        "slug": "moses-otieno-kajwang"
    },
    "content": "output of fish from the lake, it has introduced serious tensions that have already resulted in the loss of one life. The primary objection of the fisher folk in Suba is that public participation was not adequately done for the community to understand the implication of this project. Secondly, the tenure of the concession remains unknown. We cannot tell whether the 216 acres of lake water have been granted perpetually or it is time bound. The County Government of Homa Bay that is supposed to be on the side of the fisher folk has maintained a studious silence, only releasing a Memorandum of Understanding with the investor. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the last meeting that was scheduled last week between the county government and the fisher folk was called off at the last minute to the consternation of the fisher folk. The contract and commercial terms have not been disclosed. The national Government, in whose hands all fishery resources are vested, has not provided any clarity, but chosen to send police officers to teargas fishermen in their canoes. In this conspiracy of silence, what will prevent the investor and his local partners from grabbing the entire lake? This is a state of uncertainty that the people of Suba cannot accept to live with. You have served in this region in a previous life and know that the Abasuba and the fisher folk of Lake Victoria fought many battles to assert their rights to those beaches and shores that they currently occupy. Speaking on behalf of these fisher folk, we are ready to fight to defend the beaches and shores from land or lake grabbing by cartels or neocolonial agents. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this investment in Suba has also deprived local communities of traditional access to fishing grounds, which is against the provisions of Section 64 of the Fisheries Management and Development Act. This is the same scenario in many other ventures around Lake Victoria where site suitability is poorly regulated with most developments located within breeding grounds for fish. Furthermore, the investment has blocked traditional transport routes to adjacent islands of Mfangano, Kibuogi and Remba, which forces locals to use longer and more expensive routes. The Cabinet Secretary is mandated to develop regulations for aquaculture. These regulations have not been brought before Parliament. Because fishery resources are vested in the State, the County Government has no authority to allocate lake land. In the absence of clear regulations, the concessions in Lake Victoria can easily be viewed as an illegal “lake grab”. Mr. Speaker, Sir, there should not be any doubt that we welcome innovation in the fisheries sector. Let it be known - and l speak on behalf of the leaders from the region and fisher folk - that we accept that we cannot be hunters and gatherers in the lake forever. However, innovation should not come in the form of a land grab and oppression of the communities living around the lake. All we want is clarity and proper guidelines to be put in place and the Fisheries Management Act to be implemented. That is a duty of the Executive; it is not a favour. We want the Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Agriculture to bring regulations to this House. We want a meeting between the county government, the national Government, the local The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}