The Mnarani Beach Management Unit (BMU) in Kilifi town, earns income amounting to sh.1.8- million annually, according to its Chairman Elijah Chivatsi.
Chivatsi said part of the income has been going towards giving loans to its 230 active members and at the same time undertaking development projects.
Speaking to the press at their offices following alleged reports of misappropriation of funds on Monday, the Chairman said their records of expenditure are due for auditing by the department of fisheries later this this month before the elections.
He said much of their earnings come from a section of the beach, which they hired out for the construction of a small port for LAPSET project which earns them a monthly income of Sh.6000.
“We also have a reserved section of the unit beach where foreign fishermen park to sell their fish and pay us tax weekly and form part of our revenue earnings. Members share contributions vary from time to time as they depend on the fish catch,” he said.
Chivatsi said since 2016, they have been able to put up a well-furnished office, a room for freezer and two fishing boats for the unit.
He revealed that only active members of the Unit have been benefiting from loans to purchase fishing nets and other tools relevant for fishing.
“For the past few months, fishermen from outside the Unit have been giving false reports of cash misappropriation without coming to verify records. Our Unit is being audited every year by the department of fisheries as per the given requirements,” he said.
The Chairman assured the members that all records will be availed for scrutiny by the fisheries department prior to the elections and cautioned outsiders against interfering.
By Harrison Yeri
