Govt bans fishing at the Coast in new security measures

The government has banned fishing along the Kenya-Somalia border as the military intensifies its operation against the Al-Shabaab militia and piracy.

Coast Provincial Police Officer Aggrey Adoli said the decision arrived at on Thursday by the provincial security and intelligence committee is intended to protect Kenyan fishermen operating along the border areas.

“No fishing activities should be allowed to go on between Kiwayu Island and Ras Kiamboni and we urge our fishermen to bear with us.

"The restriction is part of measures put in place to safeguard Kenyans along the border where there is an ongoing operation against Al Shabaab and pirates,” Mr Adoli told the Nation.

Mr Adoli further said all fishing boats operating between Shimoni Island in South Coast and North Coast area up to Kiunga will be thoroughly inspected by marine police officers.

He said the new security measures will be strictly observed until further notice.

Fishermen will also be required to report to the nearest police station before and after fishing expeditions within Kenyan territorial waters.

“Let the government know the number of people going out for fishing. Departure time, how many days they are going to spend in the high seas and report back after fishing for their boats to be inspected, he said.

“It has also been noted that most of our fishermen have crucial information about criminals in the high seas only to avoid sharing such information with law enforcement agencies. We therefore urge them to report to us in case they spot such people in the high seas."

However, residents of Kenya’s fishing border town of Kiunga have asked the government to rescind the decision to stop them to go about their activities between Kiunga and Kiwayu Island.

Kiunga councillor Abdallah Baabaadi said the restriction will likely bring severe consequences to their wellbeing of large fishing communities living around Kiunga division.

He appealed to the government to consider distributing sufficient relief food supplies to the residents until the ban is lifted.

Mr Baabadi said Kiunga residents have also been cautioned against moving outside the village at night.

Lamu East district commissioner Kiragu Mugo also told the Nation that civilian vehicles will not be allowed to travel after 6 pm in the evening.