Nakuru County has announced a major crackdown on traders selling contaminated fish from Lake Nakuru, following alarming research findings that revealed dangerous levels of heavy metals in the fish.
In a public notice, Naivasha Sub-County Head of Fisheries, Henry Koech, confirmed that tests conducted by Egerton University in 2024 showed that fish from the lake contain high levels of lead and mercury, making them unsafe for human consumption. Earlier research by the county government in 2020 had reached similar conclusions.
“This is to notify all fish traders and hoteliers operating within Naivasha Sub-County that illegal fish extracted from Lake Nakuru is not fit for human consumption,” Koech stated.
As a result, the county will revoke licenses of traders found dealing in the toxic fish. Additionally, the County Public Health Department, the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and other agencies will pursue legal action against offenders.
Experts warn that consuming the contaminated fish could cause severe health complications, including nervous system damage, kidney failure, bone disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer risks, and developmental issues in children.
Lake Nakuru, known for its alkaline waters and pollution from surrounding urban areas, is not a natural fish habitat. Scientists have long cautioned that the lake’s chemical runoff creates a highly toxic environment for aquatic life.
The issue recently gained national attention when Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that some individuals were illegally harvesting fish from Lake Nakuru, transporting them to Kisumu, and repackaging them as Tilapia—a popular and safe fish species.
Murkomen assured that the government has deployed a multi-agency task force, including local security teams and KWS, to dismantle the illegal networks.
The crackdown underscores Nakuru County’s commitment to safeguarding public health while ensuring that only safe fish products reach local markets and households.
