Over 4,700 fishermen set to receive Sh1.76 billion in compensation

KPA has organised a two-day training exercise for clerks who will be collecting, verifying, and validating signatures and Bank accounts from 4,734 fisher folks ahead of their compensation for lost fishing grounds due to the construction of the Port of Lamu.

The training facilitated by KPA aims to equip the clerks with the necessary skills to ensure a smooth compensation process. 

“As a clerk it is your responsibility to always ensure that you have the validated list of the fishermen and the agreements for the area you have been allocated,” said KPA’s Principal Legal Officer Mr. Stephen Kyandih.

Adding that: “In cases where the fisher-folk is indisposed and is unable to physically come to the designated venue to sign the agreement, the appointed officials and clerks will make arrangements to reach the person physically for the signature.”

The clerks have been urged to be thorough and accurate during the verification process.

The compensation exercise is pursuant to the court order issued in Nairobi civil appeal no.230 of 2018 issued by the court on 5th of December 2022.

The fishermen were awarded by the court Sh1.76 billion compensation after they demonstrated they would no longer be able to undertake fishing activities due to dredging activities at the Port of Lamu.

The fishermen will receive 65 percent direct cash compensation with 35 percent remainder set aside for sustainability of Lamu County fishing activities.

Lamu County Beach Management Unit (BMU) Chairman Mr. Somo Somo and Save Lamu Chair Mr. Mohamed Athman are working closely with KPA to ensure the process is smooth.

The exercise is set to launch on Wednesday, with the clerks proceeding to the field from March 23, to March 29, 2023.