Livelihood vs life: Kilifi fishers work without life jackets

Fishermen in Kilifi have decried losses caused by lack of refrigerators, modern equipment, life jackets among other challenges.
While speaking at Old Ferry in Kilifi on Wednesday, 500 fishermen led by area chairperson Henry Mzungu, said that the fishing Industry is on the brink of collapse due to the challenges.
Mzungu said some fishermen risk losing their lives when they go fishing in the deep sea without life jackets, referring to recent deaths of four fishermen that occurred in the region.
He said that lack of refrigerators has contributed to huge losses as fish go stale.
He added that most fishermen cannot afford fishing licenses and those who own fishing vessels are not able to register them with the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) as stipulated.
According to Rukia Pambajuma, a woman leader at the Kilifi Port Old Ferry, the challenges have affected women since they are unable to attend to their children and provide for their needs despite spending long hours at work.
The fishermen now want leaders to intervene and address the challenges.