Results from the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Department of the Government Analytical Laboratory, in collaboration with Kwania District Local Government, regarding the mass fish deaths in Lake Kwania are out.
The story followed an alarm by fish traders reporting that fish were dying in alarming and unusual numbers.
Weeks later, the analysis report was released by Oscar Kibiarango, a government analyst at the Ministry of Internal Affairs on April 15, 2026, followed by samples collected by Ronald Otim, the Kwania District Fisheries Officer, on March 24, 2026.
These samples were taken from Chawente and Atongtidi sub-counties, specifically at the Gweng and Abali landing sites, to investigate public fears regarding suspected poisoning of the fish.
Ronald Otim, the District Fisheries Officer, confirmed to this online publication the results of the tests. He said tests have shown no traces of poison or any harmful substances in the fish of Lake Kwania.
George Johnson Ojok Ocen, the Kwania District Production and Marketing Officer, stated that while the reports of fish poisoning had caused significant concern and led to investigations by various departments, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the final results confirm there is no danger.
He assured the public that they can resume eating fish freely.
Lake Kwania is a vital source of fish species popular with the public, including Nile perch, tilapia, and silverfish (mukene).
According to reports from the Fisheries Department in Kwania, fish production at the 11 landing sites reached 282,000 tons in 2023 for export. However, in 2024, production dropped to 139,130 tons.
Some fear that catch numbers may drop further this year due to anxiety among traders and security issues, including challenges faced by enforcement officers regarding illegal fishing gear.
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