At least 4,000 fishermen have so far received compensation payouts 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 displacement.
The payout translated into each fisherman receiving a Sh240,000 payout from the 65 per cent of the total compensation amount allocated for cash.
The remaining 35 per cent 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 Friday in Amu Island, Lamu Beach Management Unit Chairman Fuad Sheyumbe commended the national government for facilitating the Sh1.1 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 holdup in payment is likely to hold up to a 35 per cent 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 were categorised as disputed on the 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 per cent 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 for the industry to grow.
“The county government has especially been at the forefront of ensuring the fishermen’s compensation issue is resolved, albeit a few hurdles along the way,” said Mamoud.
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 civil society groups as an ally in resolving the compensation issue has been a godsend.
He stated that the process, despite taking a long time, has been above board, noting that EACC was forced to withdraw their case against the fishermen list.
Save Lamu Board Member Mohammed Athman stated in his remarks that his organisation 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.
By Amenya Ochieng
