The government has assured fishermen displaced by dredging activities during the construction of the Lamu port that they will be compensated before the August 8 General Election.

In May 2018, the Malindi High Court awarded 4,734 fishermen Sh1.76 billion compensation after they were displaced by the construction of the Sh310 billion Lamu port at Kililana area.

The fishermen had argued that they would no longer be able to carry on with their activities due to dredging activities.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) head of corporate affairs Bernard Osero, speaking in Lamu at a meeting held to deliberate on the claims, said the agency has set aside funds to pay the fishermen.

“The only remaining thing is finalising the court clearance and consent forms before kick-starting the compensation process…KPA has the cash to carry out the compensation,” Mr Osero said on Wednesday.

The meeting brought together representatives of the affected fishermen, their lawyers, KPA lawyers and officials, and national government representatives.