What You Need to Know
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has raised concerns over unsafe fish being sold in Kenyan markets, particularly from Lake Nakuru. KWS Director General Erustus Kanga warned that contaminated fish could pose serious health risks to consumers, urging vigilance regarding fish sources. He called for Senate action to address this public health crisis.
Africa-Press – Kenya. The Kenya Wildlife Service has raised alarm over a growing public health crisis, warning that fish declared unfit for human consumption is being distributed across the country.
KWS Director General Erustus Kanga said large quantities of fish are leaving Lake Nakuru and finding their way into markets, particularly in urban centres such as Nairobi.
Speaking before the Senate on Tuesday, Kanga cautioned Kenyans to be vigilant about the source of fish they consume, warning that some of it is contaminated and could pose serious health risks.
“A lot of fish are leaving Nakuru and getting distributed across the country. What you are listening to is a description of a national health crisis in this country. People are taking fish that have been declared unfit for human consumption, and they are being freely distributed. We are killing Kenyans. Anyone consuming tilapia in this country, unless it is labelled that it is from Lake Victoria, should be wary that it could be coming from Lake Nakuru,” Kanga warned.
According to the KWS boss, the situation has been exacerbated by the expansion of the lake, which has pushed water into surrounding areas, making it easier for locals to access and harvest fish, including from their own homesteads.
He noted that despite enforcement efforts, illegal harvesting persists, partly driven by resistance from activists.
“The lake has expanded its banks, we are seeing people collecting fish from their own homesteads, the only people that are deterred from coming in are the ones that breach the boundaries of the lake. We are in a health crisis of consuming fish that has been declared unfit for human consumption,” Kanga said.
“I take exception to that. We have tried to enforce the law, but because of activism, people are still continuing to get fish, and people are selling poison fish to unsuspecting Kenyans, particularly in Nairobi and other cities. I hope the Senate will take up that matter.”
Kanga explained that fishing is prohibited within Lake Nakuru National Park, a protected area designated for biodiversity conservation.
“The size of Lake Nakuru National Park, where we have water, is between 35 and 60 square kilometres. That is a small area purely protected for biodiversity, and no one is allowed to fish there,” he said.
He attributed the contamination to pollution, including proximity to sewage, which renders the fish unsafe for human consumption and could expose consumers to diseases, including cancer.
Kanga has now called on the Senate to urgently investigate the matter and take action to protect public health.
Lake Nakuru, known for its biodiversity, has faced challenges due to pollution and illegal fishing practices. The expansion of the lake has made it easier for locals to access fish, leading to increased harvesting despite regulations. KWS has emphasized the importance of protecting public health by enforcing fishing prohibitions in the national park and addressing contamination issues. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle between conservation efforts and local livelihoods, necessitating urgent action from authorities.
