Joint EAC alliance seeks to turn the tide on choking Lake Victoria

A fisherman casts his net on Lake Victoria in Kisumu on February 27, 2026. [AFP]

East African countries have been urged to deepen regional cooperation in managing Lake Victoria, with maritime safety, environmental protection and sustainable economic development emerging as key priorities during a high-level regional meeting in Kisumu.

The call follows the 24th Ordinary Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers on the Lake Victoria Basin (SECOM-LVB), which brought together representatives of East African Community (EAC) partner states to review ongoing programmes, assess progress on previous resolutions and discuss strategies for improving the management of the shared water resource.

Kenya’s delegation was led by the Principal Secretary for East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, Dr Caroline Karugu.

Other officials included Aden Millah, Principal Secretary for shipping and maritime affairs; Henry Mwasaru, Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Nyanza regional manager; and Edwin Were, project manager for the Kenya Lake Victoria Maritime Communication and Transport Project.

Discussions focused on maritime security, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, regional financing and the construction of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) headquarters.

The meeting underscored the importance of coordinated action among partner states in addressing challenges affecting the lake and the millions of people who depend on it for their livelihoods.

Lake Victoria remains a vital economic resource for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, supporting fisheries, transport, trade, and tourism.

However, pollution, climate variability, overfishing and inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations continue to threaten its long-term sustainability.

Discharges from industries, untreated wastewater and agricultural runoff have contributed to declining water quality, while invasive species and pressure on fish stocks pose additional risks to the lake’s ecosystem.

Maritime safety also remains a major concern, particularly given the risks associated with poorly maintained vessels, inadequate search-and-rescue facilities and inconsistent enforcement of safety standards.

Because the lake is shared by several countries, the challenges cannot be addressed effectively through isolated national interventions.

Regional cooperation is, therefore, essential to strengthen environmental monitoring, coordinate maritime patrols, improve emergency response and establish consistent standards for vessels and their crews.

The Kenya Maritime Authority’s participation in the meeting reflects the importance of safe and reliable inland water transport in the region’s wider economic development.

Lake Victoria has considerable potential to support passenger and cargo transport, reduce pressure on road networks and improve access to markets for communities located along its shores and islands.

Projects such as the Kenya Lake Victoria Maritime Communication and Transport Project are intended to improve communications, navigation, search-and-rescue capacity and maritime skills.

However, the benefits of such investments will depend on effective coordination among the countries bordering the lake.

Harmonised vessel regulations, improved information-sharing and stronger enforcement mechanisms are necessary to reduce accidents and address cross-border threats, including illegal fishing and smuggling.

The meeting also highlighted the need to integrate maritime safety with environmental management and regional development planning.

The development of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission headquarters was among the issues considered during the deliberations.

A permanent regional headquarters could strengthen institutional coordination and provide a stable base for implementing programmes across the basin. However, infrastructure alone will not guarantee effective delivery.

Delayed financial contributions from partner states, lengthy approval procedures and staffing constraints remain challenges that could slow the implementation of regional initiatives.

Development partners, including Germany’s KfW development bank and the European Union, have supported sanitation and pollution-control programmes in cities such as Kisumu, Kampala and Mwanza.

Nevertheless, sustained domestic and regional financing will be necessary to ensure that these projects deliver lasting results.

Investment must extend beyond physical infrastructure to include pollution monitoring, wastewater treatment, catchment conservation, data-sharing systems and harmonised regulatory frameworks.

In the meantime, Kenya's involvement in both regional integration and maritime affairs places it in a position to promote practical solutions for the Lake Victoria Basin.

Hosting the meeting in Kisumu also brought attention to the connection between regional policy decisions and the everyday realities of communities that depend on the lake.

A healthier and safer Lake Victoria could support fisheries, tourism, commercial transport and employment while strengthening trade links between East African countries.

Improved inland shipping services could complement established regional transport corridors, offering additional options for moving people and goods.

Conversely, continued environmental degradation and weak maritime enforcement could undermine economic opportunities and place further pressure on vulnerable lakeside communities.

Achieving the region’s Blue Economy objectives will therefore require sustained government investment, stronger regulatory enforcement and meaningful cooperation between public institutions and local communities.

The success of the Kisumu meeting will ultimately depend on whether participating countries translate their commitments into concrete action.

Priority areas include ensuring timely financial contributions, accelerating project implementation, reducing pollution, improving vessel safety and strengthening the livelihoods of fishing and lakeside communities.

Regional institutions must also be adequately funded and supported to coordinate programmes and monitor compliance with agreed commitments.

Climate change adds further urgency to these efforts, as changing weather patterns and fluctuating water levels increase the need for scientific monitoring and adaptive management.

The regional strategies discussed at the meeting can provide a foundation for progress, but their effectiveness will depend on implementation, accountability and long-term financing.

For Kenya and its EAC partners, the challenge is to move beyond declarations and build a coordinated framework that protects Lake Victoria while expanding its economic potential.

The lake is a shared natural resource whose future cannot be secured by one country acting alone.

Stronger regional cooperation offers the best opportunity to deliver cleaner waters, safer navigation and sustainable livelihoods for the communities that depend on it.