Nakuru County Civil Society Organizations have raised concerns over the safety of fish from Lake Nakuru.
The CSOs under their umbrella forum are now questioning on who is guaranteeing the safety of the fish from Lake Nakuru.
In a statement to newsrooms, the CSOs have condemned the public declaration by Fisheries and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho while attending an empowerment meeting in Nakuru on Friday October 16, 2026.
The CS stated that no police officer or KWS officers should arrest the youth who are depending on the fish from the Lake Nakuru for livelihood.
Joho made the remarks in response to Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria who aired his concerns on how youth were suffering while engaging in the fishing activities in Lake Nakuru.
However, despite the CS making his stand on the same, Nakuru CSOs have differed with Joho.
The CSOs now demand a scientific evidence on the safety of the fish in Lake Nakuru and that besides scientific evidence, there should be legal clarity.
“The Nakuru County Civil Society Organisations Forum (NACCSOF) is concerned by remarks made by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Fisheries &Blue Economy during a public forum convened by the Governor of Nakuru County on 16 October 2026. Media outlets captured the CS declaring thus: “…Waziri wa Zamaki ni nani? Nani ako na amri? Wewe polisi usijaribu kushika watu, na nimesema watu wa Nakuru washike zamaki yao. Kwanzia leo, nimepatia watu wa Nakuru leseni waende washike zamaki wao…”
Translated into English, the CS said:
“Who is the Minister for Fisheries? Who is in charge here? You, the police, do not dare arrest the people. I have said that the people of Nakuru should go and catch their fish. In fact, today, I have licensed the people of Nakuru to go and catch their fish.”
These remarks, the CSOs say raise fundamental questions about the legality of the purported authorisation and, more urgently, the safety of fish harvested from Lake Nakuru.
“Has the fish suddenly become safe for human consumption? Have the relevant government agencies conducted fresh scientific tests and formally declared the fish safe?”
The members of the Civil Society said there are several reports raising questions about the safety of fish from Lake Nakuru, including potential contamination by heavy metals.
In the absence of new, credible scientific evidence demonstrating that the fish are safe for human consumption, the Nakuru CSOs stated that any declaration encouraging fishing risks exposing residents and consumers to potentially serious public-health hazards.
“The CS’s declaration also raises legal questions. While the national government has responsibilities for fisheries management, a public pronouncement by a Cabinet Secretary cannot automatically be assumed to override applicable legislation, existing restrictions, environmental safeguards or the mandates of other competent regulatory authorities. The government must therefore clarify the legal instrument, licensing procedures and institutional approvals underpinning this announcement, particularly as it relates to Lake Nakuru,” the statement reads.
NACCSOF is now calling upon the Cabinet Secretary and relevant government agencies to:
Clarify the legal basis of the announced licences and confirm whether they expressly authorise fishing in Lake Nakuru.
Publish the latest scientific findings on fish safety, including laboratory results, sampling methods and the institutions responsible for testing.
Maintain appropriate precautionary measures until competent authorities establish, through credible scientific evidence, that the fish are safe for human consumption.
Undertake transparent, independent and multi-agency assessments involving fisheries authorities, public-health agencies, environmental regulators, relevant research institutions, fishermen and residents of Nakuru.
That NACCSOF recognises the economic challenges facing communities seeking access to fishing livelihoods. However, protecting livelihoods must never come at the expense of human life and public health.
“Our position is clear: unless new scientific research establishes the safety of fish from Lake Nakuru, declarations authorising or encouraging fishing without demonstrable public-health safeguards are reckless and irresponsible. A Cabinet Secretary must prioritise public safety, scientific evidence and the rule of law over political expediency. The people of Nakuru deserve transparent answers, lawful decisions and the assurance that the food they consume will not put their health at risk,” the CSOs Forum stated.
