A series of community projects at Gangu beach on the shores of Lake Kanyaboli in Siaya county are improving safety, sanitation and livelihoods for fishing communities while supporting environmental conservation.
The interventions, implemented by the Tree Adoption Foundation, include the installation of 8kW solar-powered lighting, donation of 30 life jackets fitted with emergency whistles for fishermen, rehabilitation of public sanitation facilities and installation of four solar-powered security lights at Nyalaji Junior Secondary School.
Gangu beach chairman Martin Onyolo said the projects have created employment opportunities and improved the wellbeing of residents.
“The ongoing interventions by Tree Adoption Foundation have helped youth and women. The well-being of the community has improved,” Onyolo said.
Lake Kanyaboli, Kenya’s largest oxbow lake and Africa’s second, is a vital source of livelihoods for communities in Gangu Ninga, Gangu Nyalaji, Kanyaboli, Kadenge, Ndai, Hawinga and Unyolo. It also supports irrigation activities at Dominion Farms and Lake Agro Limited.
However, the lake has come under increasing pressure from pollution, wetland encroachment, water diversion and overfishing, threatening the livelihoods of communities that depend on it.
Tree Adoption Foundation founder and CEO Fanuel Onyango said the interventions followed consultations with the Gangu Beach Management Unit, local leaders and residents, who identified poor lighting, unsafe fishing conditions, inadequate sanitation and insecurity as key challenges.
“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to empowering marginalised communities through practical and sustainable environmental and social interventions,” Onyango said.
He said the solar-powered lighting has improved security around the beach, allowing economic activities to continue after sunset while providing a clean and affordable energy source.
The life jackets are expected to improve water safety, reduce drowning incidents and strengthen emergency response for fishermen operating on the lake.
Rehabilitation of public toilets has also improved hygiene, restored dignity for beach users and reduced environmental contamination.
At neighbouring Nyalaji Junior Secondary School, the installation of solar security lights has enhanced safety for learners and reduced electricity costs.
Despite the progress, Onyango said the community continues to face challenges, including inadequate access to clean water, poor waste management, insufficient sanitation facilities, environmental degradation and limited economic opportunities for youth and women.
He also cited the need for more safety equipment for fishermen, improved infrastructure at neighbouring beaches and continued tree planting and ecosystem restoration.
“Addressing these challenges will require sustained collaboration among stakeholders,” he said.
Onyango appealed to government agencies, county governments, development partners, corporate organisations and well-wishers to partner with the foundation in expanding similar initiatives to other communities around Lake Kanyaboli.
