The opening of the Kisumu Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre is poised to revolutionize safety for Lake Victoria’s transport and fishing communities.
During an inspection of the ongoing construction, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Performance and Delivery, Eliud Owalo emphasized that the facility will significantly reduce the current annual toll of 300 to 400 casualties among lake users, including fisherfolk and commuters, once it becomes operational.
Upon completion, the Kisumu MRCC which is at 17% complete, will serve as the central hub for coordinating timely search and rescue missions, drastically improving survival chances for victims of maritime accidents on the lake.
The centre will utilize advanced communication technologies, including GSM networks, enabling swift distress signal detection and rapid dispatch of rescue teams.
“This project will not only save lives in the future, but is currently, as you can see, providing jobs to these young people here and also a critical part of the GOK and national government BETA vision. Apart from that, it is obviously a big boost and stimuli to the local supply chains”, Owalo said.
The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) spearheads this initiative to enhance maritime safety and reduce fatalities among local fisherfolk and transport operators.
The MRCC’s coordinated approach aims to shorten response times to a variety of emergencies, including boat collisions, capsizes, and medical incidents at sea.
“For the longest times, maritime incidents in the lake have been left to chance, with Beach management units, organizing rescues which most times end up being too little too late, leading to the loss of lives, livelihoods and property within the lake,” Owalo added.
Beyond Kisumu, the centre will extend critical emergency coordination services to neighboring counties such as Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori, providing a lifeline to thousands who depend on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods.
With this MRCC, Kenya takes a major step forward in safeguarding lives on its largest inland water body through better-prepared and faster accident and emergency management.
The lake is plagued by dangerous conditions including unseaworthy vessels, hazardous weather, and lack of adequate emergency response facilities, contributing heavily to these fatal accidents.
These statistics underscore the critical need for facilities like the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Kisumu to improve emergency response and reduce preventable drownings and accidents on Lake Victoria.
