President William Ruto says Kenya has made progress in easing the harassment of its fishermen by Ugandan authorities, linking the improvement to renewed cooperation between the two neighbouring countries and efforts to resolve disputes affecting communities along their shared waters.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station in Luo Nyanza on Monday, September 14, 2026, Ruto said Kenya was placing greater focus on its relationship with Uganda as part of wider efforts to strengthen cooperation within the East African Community (EAC).
He said incidents involving Kenyan fishermen could create tension between the two countries and go against the spirit of cooperation that Kenya and Uganda are seeking to build.
“Just like you know, we are creating friendship and cooperation with Uganda, and we are now putting a lot of emphasis on the neighbourhood and the cooperation we have with our Ugandan counterparts and the EAC,” Ruto said.
The President said Kenya was also working to harmonise activities carried out by communities living on either side of the border, noting that actions by individuals can sometimes affect relations between neighbouring countries.
According to Ruto, talks and an agreement between Kenya and Uganda have already started producing results, with fewer cases of Kenyan fishermen facing harassment.
“For some time, there has begun to be an agreement with Uganda, and the incidence of harassment of Kenyan fishermen has begun to reduce,” Ruto said.
Kenyan fishermen had in the past faced arrests and charges in foreign countries, a situation that made it difficult for communities whose livelihoods depend on fishing.
Ruto said Kenya was turning to the EAC to handle such cross-border problems and pursue solutions through cooperation instead of allowing disputes to grow into wider tensions.
“In the past, our fishermen used to be arrested and charged in other countries. We are using the EAC to solve those issues,” he said.
The President said the approach was part of Kenya's wider efforts to improve relations with Uganda while dealing with problems affecting people who live and work along the shared border.
The remarks come against the backdrop of concerns that have previously been raised over the treatment of Kenyan fishermen operating in waters shared with neighbouring countries.
Oburu's earlier plea over fishermen
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga had earlier called on President Ruto to use his office to address the harassment and arrests of Kenyan fishermen by neighbouring countries.
Oburu raised the matter while speaking in Migori County during the Piny Luo Festival on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, where he expressed concern over Kenyans being arrested while operating near contested waters.
“We need to step up our diplomatic efforts so that the people of Tanzania stop harassing and arresting our people. This water belongs to us all, and we need to all enjoy it in peace,” he stated.
Oburu also spoke about the safety of fishermen on Lake Victoria, saying some had lost their lives while others were arrested and taken to Tanzania.
“Our people are dying in this lake, and some are being forcefully arrested and taken to Tanzania. We demand security for our fishermen, and as we welcome you here, we ask that you look into this issue,” he added.