Fishermen affected by the Lamu Port (Lapsset) project have accused the national government of shortchanging them after failing to honour a promise to have them compensated before the port is operationalised.
Last Thursday, President Uhuru Kenyatta officially commissioned the port in an event that saw the first cargo vessel dock at the facility’s first berth in Kililana, Lamu West. But speaking in Lamu, the fisher folks expressed disappointment that despite having been promised to be compensated before the Lamu Port is launched, nothing has been done.
The port’s dredging activities caused the closure of many traditional fishing sites in Indian Ocean and subsequently left thousands of fishermen without a source of livelihood.
Following a successful petition, the Malindi High Court in May, 2018 ruled in favour of the fishermen, indicating that the project had failed to meet basic constitutional and legal requirements.
As such, the court awarded a compensation package of Sh1.76 billion to a total of 4,734 fishermen, noting that the port project had violated the local community’s cultural rights.
Speaking to the Nation on Sunday, Lamu Fishermen Chairman Mohamed Somo said they feel betrayed by the government especially after they were coerced to resolve the matter out of court.
Mr Somo said they have already initiated plans to go back to court next week to seek justice.