The state has initiated talks with the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments over the endless woes of fishermen in Lake Victoria.

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Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary Ababu Namwamba has confirmed the existence of the talks after several fishermen were arrested recently on trespassing claims. 

Namwamba said that talks were meant to ensure that the three governments find a long-lasting solution following the plight of fishermen.  The CAS said that he is optimistic that the talks will be fruitful after families of Kenyans fishermen arrested in the past lamented over their woes. 

“I am optimistic that the engagement will be supported by the three governments,” he said in Homa Bay County.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta and his counterparts John Magufuli of Tanzania and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda support the free movement of goods and people, so they should also support free fishing,” he added, as quoted by Daily Nation.

 The cases of police from both Uganda and Tanzania mistreating fishermen from the country have become rampant in the past months. 

Some of the most affected areas in the crackdown against fishing include Busia and Homa Bay counties. 

The fishermen have been appealing to the government to ensure that they get the support they need to pursue their careers amid constant harassment.