Three families who lost loved ones in the tragic boat incident during the East African Ocean Festival in Mombasa two weeks ago have receive Ksh3 million in compensation from the government.
On October 30, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that the funds had been released to support families with burial arrangements that had been halted due to financial constraints.
The incident occurred when a racing boat with 22 participants capsized just as it neared the finish line.
Following the incident, 19 people were rescued while three lost their lives.
According to Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir, organisers should have insurance indemnity to protect against any incidents that might occur.
“Organizers of event have to have insurance indemnity. They have life jackets and other gears,” Governor Nassir said.
On October 13, the governor ordered the compulsory clearance of all sea events, requiring organisers to obtain the necessary authorisation from the County Security Committee under the new legislation.
According to the governor, this decision was made following a meeting of a multi-agency rescue team comprising the Kenya Navy, the Kenya Coast Guard, county officials and local leaders.
''We commend all officers and volunteers who worked tirelessly. Going forward, sea events will require clearance by the County Security Committee, and the Kenya Coast Guard will investigate and publish its findings,'' Nassir said.
In an effort to address these tragedies, Nassir announced that the county would recruit lifeguards and establish Beach Management Units to improve the emergency response along the coastline.
He said this would ensure trained personnel are always on standby to assist in the event of incidents, such as the one witnessed recently, for which the government was blamed for security lapses.
''We will also recruit lifeguards from our Beach Management Units to boost disaster preparedness. May the departed rest in peace,'' he added.
