By Christopher Omondi.
Nestled in the Market-Milimani ward of Kisumu County, Hippo Point Beach is a stunning destination along the shores of Lake Victoria, renowned for its breathtaking sunset views that fill the sky with vibrant hues of orange and purple. The soothing sound of water lapping against the shore, alongside the occasional sighting of hippos basking in the sun, creates an enchanting atmosphere. This locale also serves as an essential hub for economic activities such as fishing and tourism.
However, Hippo Point Beach faces significant challenges threatening its vibrancy. Recently, a group of local fishermen met with Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron to express their pressing concerns, primarily centered around the pervasive issue of land grabbing. Private entities, notably Nam Lolwe Investment Limited, have encroached upon this cherished public beach, restricting access to the shoreline and Lake Victoria.
In 2011, the national government allocated 15 million shillings to enhance the area, intending to secure the coastline with fencing, create a viewing point for locals and tourists, build a dock for boats, and construct a recreational swimming pool. Unfortunately, these plans have largely stalled. Boats still dock at distant shores, inadequate and failing fencing remains, there is no viewing point, and the limited toilets available are insufficient for the numerous visitors, raising serious health concerns.
Access to the beach is also hindered by a rough, bumpy road connecting it to the main Harambee Road, making the journey cumbersome. As night falls, poor lighting plunges the beach into darkness, prompting early closures due to safety concerns related to roaming hippos.
Eliud Oloo, a regular trader, voiced the fishermen’s urgent appeal for the MP’s support in overcoming these obstacles that hinder economic growth. Discussions also highlighted alarming issues such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, all jeopardizing their livelihoods. The fishermen urged the Kisumu County government to implement robust waste treatment systems and promote fish farming to mitigate the risks of overfishing.
Onyango Odino, a fishermen’s group official, stated, “The government should stand with the fishing industry along this beach by taking decisive actions to prevent water pollution.” Despite a loan from the European Investment Bank in 2020 aimed at improving water and sanitation in Kisumu, the fishermen feel neglected amid ongoing pollution in Lake Victoria. They also called for advocating caged fish farming in the lake as a solution to overfishing.
Hippo Point is a beautiful area facing numerous challenges that impact both its fishing and tourism industries, calling for more meaningful engagement with local communities in decision-making for sustainable development.
