This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
On September 17, 2019, the night fishing ban in Lamu County was lifted, marking a significant turning point for the region's fishing industry.
The ban, which had been in place since 2011, had severely impacted the livelihoods of over 6,000 fishermen in the area, with many forced to quit the trade due to reduced fishing opportunities.
However, following the lifting of the ban, fishermen in Lamu have reported a significant improvement in their fortunes, with some areas experiencing a 40% increase in fishing activity between March and September 2019.
Speaking to Nyakundi Report, Mohamed Somo, chairman of the Lamu fishermen and Beach Management Units (BMUs), attributed the growth to the lifting of the night ban, which has allowed fishermen to venture out to sea at any time.
"We're happy that after the lifting of the ban we have recorded great improvement in the fishing sector," said Mr Somo.
Additionally, the national government has taken steps to promote the welfare of fishermen in Lamu, including the introduction of the Mvuvi Card, a document that enables fishermen to conduct their activities without harassment by security agencies.
Abubakar Famau, a fisherman in Lamu, praised the government's efforts, saying, "Apart from lifting the night fishing ban, we've so many other reasons to appreciate what the government is doing to improve the fishing industry in Lamu. We're no longer harassed by security agencies since we've been issued with Mvuvi Card."
