Fishermen at Kenya's Coast are seeking exemption from the dusk to dawn curfew.
Led by Ms Mwanaisha Mansuri, the fishermen said the curfew has negatively impacted their trade.
Speaking at Mwamba village in Mtepeni ward, Kilifi South Sub-county, Mansuri said the curfew hours, imposed as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of Covid-19, are best fishing times.
“We urge the government to allow fishermen to conduct their business during curfew hours. Treat fishing as an essential activity and allow them to go out to sea during curfew hours,” said Mansuri.
Mansuri warned that the curfew threatens economic activities, livelihoods, and food security.
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“Fishermen in Kilifi are now farm labourers following the loss of income. Families which depended on fishing are unable to make ends meet,” said Mansuri.
Sentiments echoed by former ambassador to Zambia Ms Sophie Kombo who urged the government to engage stakeholders in the blue economy and ease restrictions.
“I urge Kenyans to persevere with the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Kombe.
