Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, has lauded President William Ruto’s development record and expressed support for his bid for a second term in the 2027 General Election, citing the administration’s commitment to equitable development, economic inclusion and improved service delivery across the country.

Speaking during an engagement with Beach Management Units (BMUs) representing 20 beaches in Budalangi Constituency, Busia County, Dr. Omollo said the Government’s development agenda had increasingly brought historically underserved communities, including fishermen along Lake Victoria, into the mainstream of national economic planning.

The Principal Secretary said the administration’s investments in fisheries infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, affordable housing and grassroots service delivery demonstrated its commitment to addressing development disparities across regions and economic sectors.

“For the first time, we have a President who recognizes that fishermen deserve the same attention as tea farmers, dairy farmers, sugarcane farmers and other producers. The development of this country must benefit every Kenyan, regardless of where they come from or what they do for a living,” he said.

Dr. Omollo linked his support for the President’s re-election to the continuation of ongoing development programmes, calling on residents to register as voters and participate in the electoral process ahead of the 10 August 2027 General Election.

He maintained that the administration’s development approach was anchored in inclusivity, ensuring that communities previously left behind receive their fair share of national resources and opportunities.

“Development must be undertaken without discrimination, tribalism or favouritism. That is the example President Ruto has set, and it is the responsibility of all of us serving in Government to ensure that every Kenyan benefits,” he said.

The PS observed that the blue economy had historically suffered from underinvestment despite its enormous potential to create employment, improve livelihoods and contribute to national food security.

He pointed to the ongoing development of modern fish landing sites, piers, markets and cold storage infrastructure across Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori counties as part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen the fisheries value chain.

In Busia, he said, two of the county’s 20 beaches are being developed into modern fish landing sites to improve fish handling, market access and economic opportunities for local communities.

“We cannot continue investing in other agricultural sectors while leaving fishermen behind. If we are supporting tea farmers, coffee farmers and sugarcane farmers, then we must equally support those whose livelihoods depend on fishing,” Dr. Omollo stated.

He explained that modern markets equipped with cold storage facilities, electricity and water would enable fishermen and traders to preserve their catch, reduce post-harvest losses and negotiate better prices.

Turning to maritime security, Dr. Omollo announced plans to increase the deployment of Kenya Coast Guard Service officers in Busia County and strengthen their operational capacity through additional safety and patrol boats.

He acknowledged longstanding security challenges affecting fishermen on Lake Victoria, including cross-border disputes involving Kenyan and Ugandan fishermen, theft of fishing equipment and threats to safety on the lake.

“We have agreed with our security leadership that we must increase the number of Kenya Coast Guard Service officers deployed here and provide additional safety boats. Our fishermen should be able to go about their work without fear of harassment or insecurity,” he said.

The Principal Secretary said the Government would work with BMU leadership to facilitate the provision of sufficient life jackets and improve access to safety boats to reduce risks associated with fishing activities.

Dr. Omollo called for improved governance of the county’s four fishermen’s cooperatives, emphasizing the need to train their leadership in financial management, accountability and responsible administration of members’ contributions.

“When you contribute your money to a cooperative, it must not become money for the leaders to use for their personal interests. These resources must be properly managed so that members can borrow, invest in fishing equipment, repay their loans and allow others to benefit,” he emphasized.

On national administration, the PS directed chiefs, assistant chiefs and other National Government Administration Officers to strengthen public engagement and ensure government services are delivered without discrimination or favouritism.

He particularly emphasized the removal of additional vetting requirements previously imposed on residents of border counties seeking national identification cards, saying citizens of Busia deserved the same treatment as those in other parts of the country.

“A Kenyan living in Busia should not be subjected to more questions or additional requirements when applying for an identity card than someone living in Nairobi or Kericho. Government services must be provided equally, without discrimination or favouritism,” he said.

The Principal Secretary instructed NGAOs to regularly convene public barazas at village, sub-location and location levels to listen to citizens, communicate government programmes and provide feedback on issues raised. He also challenged BMU leaders to report back to fishermen at their respective beaches on the discussions and commitments made during the engagement.

“For the first time, we are able to sit together as government officials, fishermen and ordinary citizens, listen to one another and agree on what needs to be prioritized. Government officials must come to the grassroots, listen to the people and account for what they are doing,” Dr. Omollo said.

He called on leaders to promote national cohesion and avoid divisive politics, stressing that development and access to public services should not be determined by ethnicity, geographical location or political affiliation.

The engagement brought together Principal Secretary State Department for Economic Planning, Dr. Bonface Makokha, national government administrators, elected leaders, BMU officials, fishermen and representatives of fishing communities from across Busia County.