OBSERVER COASTAL | Okapale fishermen remain jobless for five months amid GERP allocation dispute

Renthia Kaimbi

A group of 111 fishermen officially allocated to Merlus Cormorant Fishing Company under the Government Employment Redress Programme (GERP) are demanding urgent government intervention, claiming they have been left without employment, contracts, or salaries for five months.

The Okapare Fishermen Association has raised serious concerns over the treatment of workers assigned to Merlus Cormorant, alleging that representatives from the company informed the group earlier this month that only 40 positions were currently available, leaving the future of the remaining workers uncertain.

The fishermen are calling for transparency regarding quota allocations and employment arrangements, and have expressed dismay at what they describe as unequal treatment compared to workers allocated to other companies under the programme .

Speaking on behalf of the affected workers, Okapare Fishermen Association Chairperson Godfried Kuhanga said the fishermen and their families are facing severe financial hardship after allegedly being left without income since January 2026.