Joho Orders Probe on KPA Dredging Following Fishermen’s Complaints
Dredging at Likoni channel. (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Mining and Blue Economy cabinet secretary Hassan Ali Joho has ordered thorough investigation of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) dredging project following complaints of contractor dumping waste debris into the ocean against the environmental regulations and threatening marine ecosystems.
Responding to local fishermen’s concerns over dredging activities at the Kipevu Oil Terminal, the secretary directive comes at the right time to save vital fish breeding grounds of the Port Reitz Creek in Mombasa County.
The fishermen, organised under the Mombasa Beach Management Units (BMUs) network, say the disruption has significantly affected fish stocks leading to reduced catches and considerable economic hardship for coastal communities etching their livelihoods on the sea.
“If it is establish that the contractor defied directives and dumped waste where it is not supposed to be, then we must take very serious action against him even if it means cancelling his license,” he said during a stakeholder meeting in Mombasa.
The CS emphasised that the government would not hesitate to pursue legal action if the contractor was found culpable.
His remarks were echoed by Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) director general Justus Nyarandi, who confirmed that his authority would support the withdrawal of the contractor’s license if any wrongdoing was proven.
“We will withdraw the license and make them pay a heavy fine if we find that they are violating the set laws,” he said. “KMA has mechanisms in place to monitor and detect any violations of maritime and environmental regulations.”
The CS also directed KPA to engage directly with the affected fishermen and begin processes for compensation to those who have suffered losses due to the dredging activities.
This comes amid ongoing expansion works at the Kipevu Oil Terminal an important infrastructure project at the Port of Mombasa aimed at boosting fuel handling capacity.
Joho’s swift response has been welcomed by environmental advocates and community leaders as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship in coastal regions.
The upcoming investigation will focus on whether the contractor followed guidelines on waste disposal and whether KPA exercised adequate oversight in ensuring minimal impact on marine life and local communities.
Key to this will be examining if debris from dredging was dumped at designated areas as per environmental regulations.
According to KPA official Mathew Wamuti the authority has been operating under a valid license issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) which mandates that all dredged waste must be disposed of 17 kilometers offshore within specific GPS-marked zones.
“We have a NEMA license that directs us to dump the waste within the designated GPS markings. As it stands, we are still in the initial phases of capital dredging. The main dredging operation is yet to begin-we’re currently in the design stage, and all stakeholders will be engaged before it starts,” he explained.
While defending KPA’s adherence to the law, the official maintained that proper procedures were followed reiterating the authority’s commitment to environmental compliance.
As investigations proceed, both government agencies and community representatives will be watching closely to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair treatment of all parties involved.
The outcome could set a precedent for how large-scale infrastructure projects in Kenya must balance economic growth with environmental responsibility and community welfare.
