Coast

Lamu fishermen to receive Sh1.76bn Lapsset compensation after 6-year wait

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy during the signing of the compensation agreement between KPA and Lamu fishermen. (Photo: Lamu County Press)

By Farhiya Hussein | Tuesday, April 9, 2024

4,102 fishermen who lost their fishing areas due to the construction of the Lamu Port will receive the payout.

Fishermen who were affected by the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project in Lamu will start receiving their compensation after a six-year wait.

In May 2018, the Malindi High Court ruled that the government must pay fishermen Sh1.76 billion due to the disruption caused by the Lapsset project to both the cultural and economic activities of the local fisher community

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But last year in April the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) put a halt to the Kenya Ports Authority's (KPA) efforts to identify, verify, and approve bank accounts for compensating affected fishermen.

The anti-graft body sought to review the roster to verify the authenticity of all individuals registered as beneficiaries of Lapsset Affected fishermen.

However, on Monday the compensation agreement was finally signed between KPA and the fishermen.

Witnessing the agreement, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy expressed his approval, noting that it would result in compensation for 4,102 fishermen who lost their fishing areas due to the construction of the Lamu Port.

Payment process

The county leader urged the compensation task force, which includes various entities like the County Government of Lamu, LAPSSET, Lamu Port, Save Lamu, the office of the Attorney General, Beach Management Units, and EACC, to speed up the payment process following EACC's completion of investigations into suspected fraud.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy witnesses the signing of the compensation agreement between KPA and Lamu fishermen. (Photo: Lamu County Press)

He reiterated his administration's support for all LAPSSET projects, emphasising their role in boosting economic growth in Lamu and the wider region.

“I express gratitude to EACC for conducting the beneficiary verification payout exercise, ensuring that only legitimate fishermen benefit while ineligible individuals are removed from the list,” said the governor.

Lamu County Beach Management Unit (BMU) Chairman Mohamed Somo and Save Lamu thanked the parties for fulfilling their promise to promptly compensate all fishermen.

It was acknowledged that the delay of six years had unfortunately led to the passing of over 300 fishermen who were supposed to receive compensation but hadn't received any payment during their lifetime.

The signing of the agreement was also witnessed by LAPSSET Regional Manager Salim Bunu, a representative from the Office of the Attorney General, a lawyer from KPA, and EACC personnel.

One of the fishermen impacted by the situation and the Chair of Amu BMU Abubakar Twalib emphasised the importance of respecting both court rulings and the rights of fishermen who are suffering from losing their main source of income.

“The dredging activities near Manda Bay have severely damaged fish breeding areas and mangrove forests, reducing the ability for fish to repopulate along the waterways,” said Abubakar.

He highlighted that traditional fishing grounds have been inaccessible to local fishermen, leading many to abandon their livelihoods due to the only remaining option being the perilous open seas, which pose significant risks.