Transforming the Mshomoroni Fishing Community through Environmental Clean-up and Sensitization

The Mshomoroni fishing community, situated along the coast of Kenya in Mombasa, has seen a dramatic transformation in both its environment and its economic earnings due to a series of beach clean-ups and environmental conservation initiatives. These activities, led by the Mshomoroni Beach Management Unit (BMU), in collaboration with local organizations and governmental bodies, have significantly boosted the livelihoods of local fishermen and brought a renewed sense of environmental awareness to the community.

The Environmental Challenge at Mshomoroni Beach

Historically, the Mshomoroni beach area had been plagued by significant pollution, with waste — including plastics and other non-biodegradable materials — scattered across the shore and often finding its way into the ocean. This pollution severely impacted the local marine ecosystem, leading to declining fish stocks and increased diseases among children who played and swam in the contaminated waters.

According to Mshomoroni BMU chairperson Ali Mwaito, the fishermen initially did not realize the severity of the situation. Their sole focus was on venturing out into the sea for their daily catch, with little regard for the condition of their immediate environment. The neglect of their surroundings not only worsened the pollution but also threatened the long-term sustainability of their livelihood.

Akili Kadhaa CBO Leads the Change

The turning point came when the Akili Kadhaa Community-Based Organization (CBO), alongside the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), the Coast Development Authority (CDA), and other key stakeholders, launched an extensive sensitization campaign aimed at educating the community about the importance of environmental conservation. They conducted a series of beach clean-up exercises, including weekly efforts to rid the shore of waste, and provided crucial education on the link between environmental health and economic prosperity.

Mwaito acknowledged the impact these efforts had on the community’s mindset. “Before, this place was very dirty, and we did not care because we only ventured into the sea to fish. But when Akili Kadhaa and other stakeholders opened our eyes, we started realizing the importance of cleanliness,” Mwaito said during a clean-up exercise at Mnyuchi Beach in Junda. The fishermen and local residents began to appreciate the benefits of maintaining a clean beach, recognizing that a cleaner environment meant better fishing conditions and improved community health.

Economic Impact: Earnings Almost Double

One of the most immediate and visible effects of the clean-up and conservation efforts was the significant increase in fishermen’s daily earnings. Mwaito reported that before the clean-up, the fishermen were making an average of Ksh 1,800 per day. Following the beach clean-up and the restoration of the local marine environment, their earnings jumped to Ksh 3,500 a day — nearly doubling their previous income.

The improvement in earnings is directly linked to the increase in fish stocks, which has been attributed to the healthier and cleaner marine environment. With less pollution affecting breeding grounds and fish habitats, the fishermen now find it easier to catch more fish, leading to better returns on their daily efforts. The clean environment has also attracted more residents and visitors to the beach, enhancing its potential as a recreational and economic hub.

The Role of Mangrove Reforestation

A key component of the environmental restoration efforts has been the planting of mangroves, which play a critical role in maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems. Mangroves act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and they serve as essential breeding grounds for fish and other marine life.

During the Mnyuchi beach clean-up, the community planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings as part of their long-term conservation strategy. Mzee Mwinyi, chairperson of the Coast Development Authority, emphasized the importance of mangroves in supporting the local fishing industry. “Mangroves form very important breeding grounds for fish, thus bringing fish closer to the fishermen,” Mwinyi explained. He also highlighted the potential for sustainable projects such as seaweed farming, crab fattening, and fish pond establishment, which could further enhance the community’s income, but only in a clean environment.

Mwinyi also stressed the importance of preventing pollution from hindering the growth of mangroves, especially plastic waste, which can stifle the trees’ development and disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

The Wider Impact: Community Health and Recreation

The environmental improvements have not only benefited the fishermen economically but also positively affected the health and well-being of the entire community. The clean beach is now a safer and more attractive place for children to swim, with fewer incidents of waterborne diseases. Additionally, the improved cleanliness of the area has allowed the beach to become a venue for sporting activities, such as football, which brings residents together for recreational events.

Juma Mashuhuri, chairman of Akili Kadhaa CBO, noted that the transformation of the beach has given it a new identity. “This place has become a ground for sporting activities like football for many residents. This beach was like a dumpsite, but now it has a face,” Mashuhuri said. However, he acknowledged that more work needs to be done to sustain the cleanliness and ensure that the community continues to prioritize environmental protection.

Challenges and Continuous Sensitization

Despite the progress made, challenges remain in ensuring that all residents and visitors adopt environmentally responsible behaviors. Kenya Maritime Authority’s corporate communication officer, Michelle Wanga, pointed out that many people still harbor a poor attitude towards the environment, often discarding waste carelessly. “I will drink my water and just throw the bottle away because I am not in my home. Or I will throw it carelessly, saying someone will pick it. That attitude is what destroys our future and that of our children,” she explained.

Various NGOs involved in the clean-up efforts echoed these concerns, noting that while most people are aware of the right way to dispose of waste, they often choose the easier, less responsible option, especially when the damage is not immediately visible. This highlights the need for continuous sensitization efforts to change long-standing habits and promote a culture of environmental stewardship.

Mashuhuri emphasized that while significant strides have been made, sustained awareness campaigns and community education are essential to maintaining the progress achieved. Residents now know better than to dispose of waste into the sea, but there are still instances of improper waste disposal, which must be addressed through stronger public engagement.

Government and Institutional Support

The success of the Mshomoroni clean-up has also been supported by local government initiatives aimed at improving waste management in the region. Rogers Wangila, the environment officer for the Mombasa County government, noted that the county has been working to sensitize communities on proper waste disposal methods and encouraging them to use only registered waste collectors who are trained in proper waste management practices.

Wangila lamented that some residents continue to use rogue waste collectors, who often dump waste in open spaces or abandon it in areas where it eventually finds its way into the ocean. To combat this, the county has launched a pilot project on waste segregation in Mvita Island and Likoni, which requires residents to separate their waste into dry and wet categories for proper disposal or recycling.

Wangila expressed optimism that if properly implemented, the waste segregation initiative could significantly reduce the amount of waste entering the ocean, further enhancing the cleanliness of the beaches and the health of the marine environment.

Looking Forward: The Future of Mshomoroni Beach

The restoration of Mshomoroni beach has not only revitalized the local fishing industry but has also set the stage for broader development opportunities. Coast Development Authority chairperson Mzee Mwinyi envisions a future where the beach becomes a tourist attraction, drawing visitors to its clean shores and showcasing its natural beauty.

Mwinyi also revealed plans to engage investors in setting up a lighting project at Mnyuchi beach to improve security in the area, which would encourage more people to visit and enjoy the beach even after dark. He believes that with continued efforts to maintain cleanliness and support sustainable development, the beach could become a valuable asset for the entire region.

In conclusion, the success of the Mshomoroni beach clean-up serves as a powerful example of how environmental conservation efforts can lead to significant economic and social benefits for coastal communities. By taking ownership of their environment and working together with local organizations and government bodies, the Mshomoroni fishermen have not only improved their livelihoods but also contributed to the health and well-being of their community. The journey is far from over, but with continued sensitization and investment in sustainable practices, Mshomoroni beach is on its way to becoming a model for environmental restoration and community development.