Mombasa fishermen are decrying delay in implementing President Uhuru Kenyatta's order on landing sites.
The sites are being grabbed by private individuals and State officials have been blamed for the holdback.
Haki Yetu executive director, Father Gabriel Dolan, alleged that poor fishermen have been evicted on the now privatised landing sites. He added that the situation has reduced fish produced by local fishermen to 5 per cent.
He singled out lack of title deeds and gazettement as the loophole that allowed grabbing of these sites.
“The President was very clear about reclaiming these sites. Unfortunately, they are still being held by grabbers, making it difficult for fishermen to do their work,” Fr Dolan said.
Hassan Mwamtoa, 70, is among the affected locals. His 'fishing home' at Shika Adabu beach management unit, Likoni has been affected. He decided to join other aggrieved parties in protesting at Bamburi public beach.
“When I went into fishing, there were many landing sites. Traders would buy fish at the sites. What has happened is shocking. Unfortunately, our leaders do not act even as the sites vanish,” Mwamtoa said.
Tudor/Shimanzi beach management unit site is also allegedly grabbed. Ruwa Mwangolo, a fisherman operating at this area claims that only a small portion of the landing site is still public.
Mombasa County Beach Management Units chairperson Mercy Wasai is seeking answers from responsible parties.
“This is a serious issue. We want to know what happened to the remaining sites. How will the five accommodate more than 3,000 fishermen? The President should ensure our sites are reclaimed,” Wasai said.