Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri has blamed overfishing in Lake Victoria for the dwindling fish population in the freshwater lake.

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Speaking in Kisumu on Thursday, the CS said that the same can also be attributed to the use of illegal gear, especially use of unauthorised nets by the fishermen.

He said that consequently, the lake's fish production has reduced from 140,000 to 90,000 tonnes over the last five years, translating to a 64% per cent drop.

He made the remarks during the opening of the Nyanza Region Blue Economy Conference, where he revealed the government's plans to reverse the situation.

The CS said that the government will revolve fisheries in Nyanza region, which refers to the counties of Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Siaya.

According to a 2014 Assessment Survey, Lake Victoria provides 80 per cent of the nation's fish supply.

Initially, it was expected that the conference would open the way for President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was expected in the county on Friday, after several impromptu visits.

Uhuru was expected to open the Sh3 billion refurbished Kisumu Port, which is expected to play a major role in linking the three nations sharing the lake.