Fishermen from Homa Bay and Siaya counties have clashed with their respective county governments over a new mode of fishing in Lake Victoria, which they are against.
The fishermen have opposed the use of solar powered lamps used to fish at night, which are fixed on floaters, arguing that they are a danger to the Nile Perch species.
This is the complete opposite of what environmental experts from the county are saying, insisting that the lamp is environmentally friendly and not harmful.
However, a section of fishermen have claimed that the lamp, popularly known as Osram, is not only scaring away perch, but also affecting fish population in the lake.
“The lamps have been banned in neighbouring Uganda because of their massive effect on Nile perch production,” said Liunda Beach Management Unit Secretary Rashid Odhiambo.
He stressed on the need for the Kenyan government to ban this mode of fishing, adding that while the lamp might be affordable and environmentally friendly on grounds that it uses sun rays to give light, its not friendly to the lake and the fish living inside.
"Due to stiff rules in Uganda, fishermen are now coming to fish in open waters around Magoko Island in Siaya and the lamps are scaring away Nile perch,” he said.
Majority of those using the lamp are from Homa Bay county.