Government Bans Consumption of Fish from Lake Nakuru

The government, through the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI), has declared fish from Lake Nakuru unfit for human consumption.

Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Lina Jebii Kilimo said samples of fish drawn from the salty water lake were found to contain chemical elements that may be poisonous if consumed.

“The report from Kemfri confirms that fish from Lake Nakuru is unfit for human consumption and it may cause diseases in the future,” said Kilimo.

The ban comes amid a booming fish business around Lake Nakuru following the discovery of freshwater fish species last year.

Many residents of Mwariki estate, which neighbors the lake, ventured into the fish business after they were displaced from their homes by the rising water levels in the lake.

“Fish from Lake Nakuru is rotting after three hours, this could mean it is not safe for consumption. I want to ask the county government of Nakuru to check into the fishing that we understand is taking place in Lake Nakuru because the waters in lake Nakuru according to the report we have are not safe for human consumption,” said Kilimo.

Reports indicate that sewage and industrial waste have been flowing into the lake for years.