The ongoing dredging in the Kisumu part of the Lake Victoria will extend to other parts of the lake, African Union Infrastructure Development envoy Raila Odinga has said.
Speaking in Busia on Tuesday, the former Prime Minister and ODM leader said that the dredging will be extended to other towns surrounding the lake, which are prone to flooding.
This, he noted, will include Sio Port and Port Victoria areas in Busia, also in a bid to improve the blue economy, which he observed will result in an increment of employment openings.
Raila remarked that he has also reached out to presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and John Magufuli (Tanzania) on the need to open up the lake for better results.
"We have talked at length with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart John Magufuli on the need to open up the lake to promote the blue economy of the region, thus creating youth employment," he said.
He spoke when he graced the Bunyala Cultural Festival at Marenga Beach. He also called for respect from Ugandan authorities, over their constant harassment of Kenyan fishermen.
Raila endorsed the deployment of coast guards to parts of the lake touching Bunyala and Samia, noting that the same will go a long way enhancing the security of Kenyan fishermen.
Leaders who accompanied the ODM leader included area Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala.
Also present was Bunyala Deputy County Commissioner Jacob Ruto, Siaya Deputy Governor James Okumbe and Funyula MP Oundo Mudenyo.