They were given fishing equipment worth millions by the former administration, which Mr Twaha now says they won't have to pay back.
He says the previous administration was wrong for the move, saying the devolved unit should have given them out for free.
The tools had been advanced to individuals and associations to help them ply their trade in the deep sea.
Newly sworn in Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha has waived loans issued to 6,000 fishermen by the outgoing county administration.
They were given fishing equipment worth millions by former county boss Issa Timamy's government, which Mr Twaha now says they won't have to pay back.
He has instead asked them to use the equipment to develop themselves.
“I am aware that fishermen in this county had been loaned some fishing gear by the past regime...My government has pardoned all of you. You will no longer have to pay up those loans. How do you make someone pay for something that already belongs to them? The county government is supposed to help and not loan,” said Mr Twaha while addressing the public in Lamu on Monday.
The equipment included boat engines, fishing gear and cold storage facilities that were purchased and loaned to the fishermen at a fee which many were yet to repay.
The tools had been advanced to individuals and associations to help them ply their trade in the deep sea.
Mr Twaha now reckons that the previous administration was wrong for the move, saying the devolved unit should have given them out for free.
“Fishing, farming and livestock are the lifeline of communities living in Lamu and my administration will empower citizens to enable them realise meaningful development in their lives...I appeal to all people of Lamu to join me in building the county to greater heights of prosperity,” said Mr Twaha.
He also touched on the issue of safety for the fishermen and other sea users, while promising to purchase and fit boats fitted with radio call devices to enable people to call for help during emergencies.
This comes almost a week after eleven people we feared dead when a passenger boat capsized in the Indian ocean last Tuesday.
The new boss says they have already initiated talks with the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) office in Lamu to increase the number of maritime patrols to boost safety at sea.
“We are tired of losing our people due to boat accidents in Lamu. In June we lost 10 people at the Mkanda Channel. This month we lost 11 people after a boat capsized at Manda Bruno. My administration will ensure all boats in Lamu are fitted with radio calls so that it’s easy for them to call in for help when need be. We are also talking with KMA on the need for increased patrols at sea, possibly for 24 hours,” added Mr Twaha.
Lamu residents have for a time been calling on the county and national governments to institute proper safety measures to save lives when such accidents occur.
