(Kisumu) – The National Land Commission (NLC) has called for the expedited creation of a comprehensive maritime spatial plan for Lake Victoria, emphasizing its potential to boost the blue economy in the region. NLC Commissioner Reginald Okumu stressed that the plan is crucial for defining the lake’s boundaries and resources, which will aid in shaping policies for their sustainable use.
According to Okumu, one of the key challenges facing the lake is the overexploitation of its fisheries, particularly the dwindling stocks of fish like Omena (dagaa). He noted that local fishmongers, especially women selling these fish, have raised concerns about the declining availability of the delicacy. The spatial plan, he said, is necessary to guide the development of blue economy activities while ensuring the sustainable management of these resources.
The Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy is leading the efforts to develop the maritime spatial plan, with the NLC partnering to fast-track the process. Okumu clarified that the NLC is responsible for all land, including the areas surrounding lakes and rivers, which is why the commission is actively involved in this initiative.
During the 3rd Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) Natural Resources Dialogue held in Kisumu, Okumu outlined the importance of the maritime spatial plan in shaping laws, policies, and regulations to safeguard Lake Victoria’s ecosystem. The plan will also provide a strategic framework for managing sectors dependent on the lake’s resources, such as fishing, aquaculture, transportation, tourism, and wildlife. It will also focus on preserving critical ecosystems, including wetlands and biodiversity hotspots.
The development of new marine laws will include clear spatial guidelines and zoning to reduce conflicts between stakeholders, such as fishermen, farmers, and conservationists. Okumu emphasized that these measures would also attract investment in sustainable industries and help the government and local authorities optimize the use of the lake’s resources. The plan will also address environmental degradation and ensure equitable distribution of the lake’s benefits across the three riparian countries—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The NLC Commissioner also highlighted the plan’s role in empowering women, who have historically been underrepresented in the blue economy. Okumu stressed the importance of ensuring women are included in decision-making processes related to the sector. He pointed out that despite the vast potential of the blue economy, very few women have ventured into activities related to the lake, and this initiative aims to change that.
To assist in managing the country’s natural resources, the NLC has developed a Natural Resources Atlas, which provides detailed information on the location of resources across Kenya. The Atlas is accessible through the NLC’s geoportal and is intended to aid both national and county governments in engaging with potential investors. Okumu described the tool as a game-changer in the management of natural resources.
The dialogue in Kisumu, organized by the NLC in collaboration with the Kenya Ethical and Legal Issues Network (KELIN), gathered government officials, stakeholders, and community leaders from the 14 counties of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB). KELIN chairman Ambrose Rachier praised the initiative, noting that it would open up blue economy opportunities for the region. Rachier emphasized that the focus should not only be on managing the lake’s physical resources but also on creating policies that promote transparent governance and accountable management.
Rachier also stressed the importance of ensuring that local communities have clear rights to access and utilize the lake’s resources. He noted that effective management of the lake must include securing the rights of these communities while also protecting the lake’s biodiversity. This will ensure that the benefits of the blue economy are equitably distributed and that the communities are actively involved in both governance and sustainability efforts.