By Jane Meza
Mombasa County, Kenya: Fishermen in Mshomoroni, Kisauni sub-county, are reaping the benefits of a cleaner beach environment as a result of conservation efforts.
According to Mshomoroni Beach Management Unit (BMU) Chair, Ali Mwaito, earnings have nearly doubled, with daily profits rising from KSh 1,800 to KSh 3,500.
“We used to ignore the trash, but since Akili Kadhaa CBO, Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Coast Development Authority (CDA), and other stakeholders educated us, we’ve seen a big difference and it’s going to benefit us all,” Mwaito said.
The fishermen now conduct weekly beach cleanups and the improved conditions have boosted fish stocks and reduced illnesses among local children who swim at the beach. Local fish vendors are also experiencing the benefits.
“Before the clean-up, we struggled to sell our fish because the beach was filthy, and customers were afraid of buying from us now with the cleaner environment, business is better and we are proud to sell fresh fish,” said Mama Ali, a fish vendor at Mshomoroni.
Another vendor, Amina Juma, echoed these sentiments: “We used to worry about getting sick because of the waste around, but since we started keeping the beach clean, even our children are healthier. It’s not just about selling fish; it’s about the community’s wellbeing.”
Customers, too, have noticed the change. “I now feel confident buying fish from this beach because it’s clean, and I trust the vendors. The fish is fresh, and I no longer worry about contamination,” said Amos Mwiti, a regular customer at the Mshomoroni Beach market.
During a cleanup and mangrove planting at Mnyuchi Beach, CDA Chairman Mzee Mwinyi emphasized the role of mangroves as carbon sinks and vital breeding grounds for fish.
“Mangroves thrive only in clean environments, their presence brings fish closer to shore,” Mwinyi explained.
Plans for sustainable projects, such as seaweed farming and crab fattening, hinge on maintaining a pollution-free beach. Mwinyi also revealed that the CDA is in talks with investors about installing lighting at Mnyuchi Beach to enhance security and further encourage tourism.
Meanwhile, Mombasa County’s Environment Officer Rogers Wangila stressed the need for proper waste management. He highlighted a pilot project in Mvita Island and Likoni where households were provided with bins for waste segregation.
“If fully implemented, this initiative will drastically reduce the waste entering our oceans,” Wangila noted.
Despite these efforts, Wangila lamented that many residents continue to use unregistered waste collectors who dump trash indiscriminately, worsening marine pollution.
With continued commitment from all stakeholders, Mnyuchi Beach could transform into a thriving tourist destination showcasing both environmental and economic success.
