Tension Erupts at Mnarani Beach as Fishermen Clash With Chinese Firm Over Pier Ownership

By Ben Okweingoti 

A dispute is unfolding at the Mnarani Beach landing site in Kilifi Town, where local fishermen have staged protests against China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) over the control and use of a key pier.

At the centre of the standoff is a former Kenya Navy officer–turned boat builder, who through his company, South Sea Services Kilifi Ship Project, has occupied part of the pier and is currently constructing four large fishing vessels for the government under the Blue Economy programme. Local fishermen have rallied behind him, accusing the Chinese firm of attempting to frustrate a legitimate local investment.

According to residents, CCCC originally used the pier to transport construction materials for the Lamu Port project. With that project completed more than two years ago, the pier has since remained idle—until the local investor moved in to put it to use. The community argues that the Chinese company has no basis to reclaim the site and should not interfere with development meant to benefit local fishermen.

Kilifi County Beach Management Unit (BMU) chairperson Mohamed Shosi confirmed that the local investor has acquired all the required legal approvals to utilize the pier for vessel construction. He said the boats under development will be distributed to local fishermen to enhance their productivity and support the county’s Blue Economy agenda.

Weighing in on the matter, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro issued a stern warning to the Chinese company, accusing it of harassing Kenyans for its own gain. He revealed that the firm has not remitted cess owed to the county government and directed his officers to halt its operations until all outstanding payments are cleared.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting local enterprises, insisting that Kilifi residents must not be sidelined in economic opportunities within their own county.