Kenyans protest claims of illegal dumping and sand harvesting by Chinese contractors at Diani beach

Illegal dumping and sand harvesting reports at Diani beach by Chinese contractors anger Kenyans

Charles Ouma

March 17, 2019 2:28 PM

Diani beach which was ranked the second best beach in Africa in 2018 under threat

Diani Beach Claims of illegal damping and sand harvesting by Chinese contractors at Diani beach has angered Kenyans

Kenyans have taken to social media in protest save Diani beach from claims of illegal sand harvesting and illegal dumping.

The matter which was brought to public attention by Mohamed Hersi who wrote:

“Mr President @UKenyatta allow me now to bring this matter to your personal attention. We want development . We want a better port but not at the expense of our God given award winning Diani Beach where sand harvesting is happening in Tiwi & dumping in less than 8NM.”

In subsequent tweets he shared photos of what appeared to be illegal dumping and sand harvesting allegedy taken from near the beach.

A photo shared by a user on Twitter amidst claims of illegal damping and sand harvesting by Chinese contractors at Diani beach that has angered Kenyans Pulse Live Kenya

#Stopsandharvesting Your Ex @UKenyatta dumping is ongoing right now 12:39Hrs. It is supposed to be a minimum distance of 8NM which is 14.8KM . Does this look like 14.8KM from Mama Ngina Drive? @JamesMacharia_ @tunajibu @KTF_Kenya we want the law to be respected by @NemaKenya.

Netizens were quick in urging the relevant authorities not to nallow rogue Chinese contractors get away with questionable and illegal practices.

Lorna Irungu wrote: “Wow, this is @magicalkenya we need action to be done. First it’s our wildlife now it’s our beaches? We keep selling of our future generations future for what? This is unacceptable.”

Diani was ranked as the Second best beach in Africa in a 2018 ranking by Flightnetwork.com, an online travel publication.

Claims of illegal damping and sand harvesting by Chinese contractors at Diani beach anger Kenyans Pulse Live Kenya

Mombasa, Watamu, Chale Island and Shela beaches also featured in the Top 50 African Beaches Category.

The pristine Diani beach could be no more if urgent action is not taken to address the allegations of sand harvesting and illegal dumping by Chinese contractors.

By the time of going to press, relevant state agencies were yet to comment on the issue.

Charles Ouma