County refutes claims of banning fishing in Lake Solai

Nakuru county has not banned fishing at Lake Solai.

County Chief officer for Livestock and fisheries Dr Michael Cheruiyot has come out to clarify on the issues around the Lake following a public uproar over an alleged ban.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Dr Cheruiyot said the temporary suspension of fishing at the lake is for the purpose of restructuring the operations around the lake.

The county in its notice dated July 25 had indicated that fishing activities had been prohibited.

“This is to alert members of the public that fishing in Lake Solai has been prohibited temporarily until further notice,” read the public notice.

The move he said was an agreement from the locals who resolved to put the fishing on hold for a month as the community puts in place the beach management unit.

“The decision to suspend fishing activities at the lake originated from the community members following a meeting convened by the area chief to resolve a dispute that arose relating to the order of fishing. One group had differed on whether to fish or wait for the finger lings to mature,” said Dr Cheruiyot.

According to him, the process of electing officials of the management team takes at least a month to ensure all the legal requirements are followed.

“From the meeting, the members agreed to put on hold the fishing activities for a period between July 19 and August 19. This will enable members to plan and announce the elections, campaign before the election of the chair, Vice chair, secretary and the members of the committee,” added Dr Cheruiyot.

The chief officer further noted that the county had restocked the lake in September last year which needed some time to mature.

Reacting to the notice by the county, residents led by Rongai member of Parliament Paul Chebor protested the suspension which they termed as illegal.

Mr Chebor argued that the county had no authority to suspend the fishing since the entire land where the water mass is, is owned by the residents who have never been compensated by the government.

He argued that there was no reason for suspension since there have been no cases of misconduct by the residents who depend on the lake for a living.

“I urge the department of fisheries to immediately lift the ban and forth with allow the community to go on with their economic activity. Any purported regulations must undergo a public participation to allow the community to air their views,” stated Mr Chebor.

The Chief officer however revealed that he had reached out to the MP and explained the issue to him which they all agreed to.

“I have already called the MP and explained the issue which we all agreed was a matter of miscommunication,” he said.