Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has declared that fish caught from Lake Nakuru are unsafe for human consumption.
CS Mvurya noted that the government had conducted tests on fish sourced from the Rift Valley lake. The result was shocking with alarming findings revealing elevated levels of arsenic—a toxic chemical compound present in various minerals.
In his statement, CS Mvurya referred to the presentation made during the last Cabinet meeting in Sagana, where he also conveyed the concerning results.
“In the last Cabinet that we sat in Sagana, I made a presentation to confirm that the fish in Lake Nakuru is not fit for human consumption. We have fish that have demonstrated some 32 percent level of arsenic metal which is not good for human consumption,” he affirmed.
CS Mvurya however noted that the government had formed a multi-agency team to find solutions to manage the toxic waters.
“It is true that we confirmed it is not suitable for human consumption and therefore we have formed a multi-agency team. The departments of fisheries and blue economy, the environment, and others are looking into this matter,” he added.
Prolonged exposure to arsenic through water and food consumption can lead to the development of cancer and skin lesions.
Furthermore, arsenic has been linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, with immediate symptoms of poisoning including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
