Coast

LAPSSET: Lamu governor pushes for quicker compensation of fishermen

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy addresses a past function in the county. (Photo: File/Lamu County Government)

By Farhiya Hussein | Monday, May 6, 2024

Following a six-year delay, the fishermen will now begin receiving their compensation, but the governor noted that more than 200 of them had yet to sign the agreement.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy wants the committee overseeing the compensation of fishermen affected by the LAPSSET project to expedite the process.

The task force comprises entities such as the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET), the Lamu County Government, the Lamu Port, Save Lamu, the Attorney-General's Office, beach management units, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

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At a press briefing in the county on Monday, Issa urged the task force to expedite the payment process after the EACC concluded its investigations into alleged fraud.

Following a six-year delay, the fishermen will now begin receiving their compensation, but the governor noted that more than 200 of them had yet to sign the agreement.

Expressing concern, he instructed the Department of Fisheries to directly reach out to the remaining fishermen to obtain their signatures.

“Of the 4,167 fishermen verified and cleared by EACC, only 3,935 have signed their compensation agreements, leaving 232 fishermen who are yet to sign and haven't appeared to do so,” he said.

Once all fishermen agree to the compensation terms by signing, approximately Sh1.7 billion will be disbursed to 4,734 fisherfolk who lost their fishing grounds due to the construction of the Port of Lamu.

The governor said the fishers will initially receive 65 per cent of the compensation in cash from the government and that the remaining 35 per cent will be used to sustain fishing activities, including investing in modern equipment.

“This investment will enable them to engage in deep-sea fishing, maximising their catches while preserving stocks. The goal is to assist fishermen in evolving from semi-scale to semi-commercial and, eventually, to fully commercial operations,” he said.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the fishermen concluded the compensation agreement last month.

Issa welcomed the development, emphasising its significance for the fishermen affected by the Lamu port's construction.

The EACC intervened last April, pausing the KPA's efforts to validate and authorise bank accounts for compensating affected fishermen, a move aimed at scrutinising the roster to ensure the legitimacy of all individuals listed as beneficiaries.