This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
On June 29, 2020, three hundred fishermen and fishmongers in Shariani village, overlooking Kuruwitu beach in Kilifi County, breathed a sigh of relief after receiving food donations from well-wishers.
The recipients received essential items including maize flour, sugar, rice, beans, cooking oil, bar soaps, buckets for water, and face masks.
According to Captain (rtd) Peter van den Driest, treasurer of Kuruwitu Residents Association, the donation was a response to the plight of the fishermen living in the area due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Whatever we are giving might not last a whole season but at least it can bring a smile and cheer on the faces of fishermen and fisher folks whose catches have plunged to an all-time low," van den Driest said at the Shariani Primary School.
Charles Janji Nyale, chairman of Kilifi County Beach Management Unit (BMU) Network, explained that the lockdown due to Covid-19 had restricted fishermen to fishing during day time and only along the reefs due to unfavourable sea conditions.
"It has been a difficult time over the past couple of months with people unable to make ends meet," added Nyale.
Junju location chief, Mr David Kahindi, and his assistant Mr Runya Mwalimu commended Kuruwitu Residents Association and Vipingo Ridge for the donation, which they said would help cushion local fisherfolks against hunger.
"It is just really scary right now, with little or no fish landed and Covid-19 fears looming everywhere and thinking about how to protect the fishing heritage," Kahindi said.
Vipingo Ridge Administration manager, Mr Chilson Lwangu, urged locals to observe set standards by the Ministry of Health on containing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
"We are all affected and what we need to do to stay safe is to follow all the Health Ministry regulations. We should not be wearing face masks only when we see police officers," he said.
