By Reporter
At least 4,000 fishermen have so far received a compensation payout from the national government through the Kenya Ports Authority over their displacement from the Kililana fishing grounds following the construction of the Lamu Port.
In May 2018, a Malindi High Court awarded 4,734 fishermen Sh1.76 billion as compensation for the destruction.
The payout translated into the fishermen each receiving a Kshs 240,000 payout from the 65 per cent of the total compensation amount allocated for cash.
The remaining 35 percent share was reserved for training and improvement of blue economy facilities and sustainable development of fishing as well as the establishment of fishermen cooperatives within the county.
Speaking today in Amu Island Lamu Beach Management Unit Chairman Fuad Sheyumbe commended the national government for facilitating the Kshs 1.1 billion payout stating that the payout had so far aided in alleviating the plight of the affected fishermen.
He however acknowledged that a substantial number of fishermen have yet to receive their reparations stating that the continued hold up in payment is likely to hold up to a 35 percent share of the compensation terms.
“As Lamu fishermen we would like to urge the national government to move with speed in ensuring that all fishermen receive their dues,” he stated.
According to KPA, the compensation process commenced a few years ago with the validation and verification process, including confirmation of ID and bank account details, after which 4,167 out of the 4,734 fisherfolk were slated to sign compensation agreements.
However, 567 people was categorised as a disputed list.
Sheyumbe further stated that in the case of affected fishermen who had passed on, their next of kin had already been considered and would be receiving compensation forthwith.
Sentiments echoed by Matondoni BMU chairman Abdu Mamoud, also a beneficiary, said that the fishermen were now counting on the 35 percent payout that would enable them to develop better boats that would aid in deep sea fishing.
He said that the fishing sector in Lamu is still a cottage industry with a lot of potential if the national and county governments work towards supporting the fishermen and their industry growth.
“The county government has especially been at the forefront of ensuring the fishermen compensation issue is resolved albeit a few hurdles along the way,”Mamoud said.
He urged the national government to speed up efforts in ensuring that all the fishermen receive their dues in a bid to finally close the chapter to the process which he added has taken more than 8 years to reach its conclusion.
Amu Beach Management Unit Chairman Abubakar Ali Mohammed on his part commended Save Lamu, a local NGO in conjunction with the Katiba Institute for facilitating the compensation process stating that having the civil society groups as an ally in resolving the compensation issue has been a godsend.
He stated that the process despite taking long has been above board, noting that EACC were forced to withdraw their case against the fishermen list.
Save Lamu board member Mohammed Athman in his remarks stated that his organization was keen on ensuring that the plight not only of the fishermen but of Lamu residents is addressed especially with the discovery of Titanium deposits being found in parts of Lamu.
