Fishermen in Kenya’s Lamu East want compensation from the national government for losses incurred because of the night fishing ban imposed in 2011.
The ban was a security measure following attacks and kidnapping of tourists and fishermen by al Shabaab militants. It has led to scarcity of fish in Lamu.
The fishermen said Somali traders have invaded the Kenyan fish market.
The fishermen want the state to prevent the fish trade from collapsing. They said the ban has also led to a drop in fish prices from Sh300 a kilo to Sh80.
Lamu East Fishermen Association spokesperson Muhashiam Famau said many of them have quit fishing due to the ban. The fishermen also want the state to give them modern fishing equipment.
2017 The Star, Kenya