Boat operators call for lifting of night travel ban

Boat operators in Lamu County have called on the government to lift the night travel ban that has existed for eight years.

The ban was imposed shortly after the abduction of a British couple — David Tebbutt,58, and his wife Judith — at Kiwayu Safari Village Resort in September, 2011.

During the incident, Mr Tebbutt was killed and his wife taken hostage in what is believed to be the first Al-Shabaab attack in the country.

Before then, Lamu was a peaceful haven where one could travel anywhere, at any time. Ahmed Kupi, a long-distance boat operator plying the Lamu Island to Kiunga route, said he did not see the need for the ban given assurances by security offices that the region was safe.

“It’s a challenge for us to be allowed to only operate during day time. By 8pm you’re not supposed to be doing any activities at sea till the following day. This means that we are only limited to one trip from Lamu Old Town to Kiunga. We urge the government to lift the ban so that we can have a 24 hour transport system,” said Mr Kupi.

Awadh Abdalla, who operates a boat on the Kiunga-Ishakani route, urged the government to introduce 24-hour surveillance at sea and allow them to ferry customers at night. He said security officers deny them access to the sea at night.

“We have severally been assured of optimal security but the ban has never been lifted. Let it be lifted. It has greatly affected our operations,” said Mr Abdalla.

Terror incidents in Lamu County are very low, he said, adding that the ban is unwarranted.

“It’s okay to have a night travel ban imposed on road transport but not extended to water,” said Athman Fadhili, a coxswain.

Another long distance boat operator, Yusuf Lule, said they were ready to invest in navigation lights for their boats provided they are allowed to operate at night.