The Sh2.6 billion Shimoni fishing Port in Kwale County will be completed in two years, according to the Kenya Ports Authority. Southern Engineering Company (SECO) was hired as the main contractor to commence construction on the industrial fishing port project last month.
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The multipurpose berth is a component of the larger Shimoni Fishing Port, which would cost Sh20 billion and include infrastructure for handling fish and conventional cargo, cold storage, reefer stations, as well as processing plants for value addition.
Shimoni Port’s general manager, Daniel Ogutu, said that the current construction will be concluded in 24 months. The initiative is part of government plans to make full use of Kenya’s vastly untapped Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Indian Ocean.
As the state pushes the blue economy agenda with the implementation of policies, institutional reforms, incentives, and financing, Shimoni will be the first port facility entirely dedicated to processing fish for exports as well as value addition.
Reported earlier
Sep 2019
Kenya to construct a new jetty for fish landing in Shimoni port
Kenya is set to start construction of a new jetty fish landing, instead of upgrading the existing fish landing site in Shimoni port as per the initial plan by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
The resolution was made last week by Shimoni Port Project Implementation Team during a meeting chaired by Kwale County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo to deliberate preparations for the construction of the Shimoni fishing port.
The team voted for the new plan instead of the initial one in an effort to avoid disruption of commercial activities at the existing old jetty.
Works to facilitate the fish landing project
The Kwale County Commissioner said that construction works on a 4.5km road to access the Shimoni fish port have already begun to enable the implementation of the project. He also added that many structures along the targeted area are expected to be brought down so as to pave the way for road upgrade works.
Eliud Lelerai, a director at the Presidential Delivery Unit present at the meeting, urged the Shimoni Port Project Implementation team to come up with a delivery chain of the project, with various components and sub-components, as well as identify any possible hindrances that may occur for each of the drivers.
Need for a new jetty
Leading the KPA team in the meeting, head of Projects Development and Management, Eng. William Tenay said that his authority was fully aware of the need to set up a new jetty to enable large-scale fishermen to land their catch.
He noted that the Shimoni port was one of the key development projects in the authority’s 30-year master plan and it was aimed at improving Kenya’s marine competitiveness as an investment hub.
Jul 2021
Construction of Shimoni Fishing Port in Kenya to commence
Work is to start on the construction of the Shimoni Fishing Port in Kenya. The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) announced this recently and said phase one works are scheduled to begin this month.
KPA General Manager for Infrastructure Development, Eng. Vincent Sidai said that all mandatory requirements have been met. These are but are not limited to feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments in readiness for the project.
The Shimoni port project situated in Kwale County is one of the key development projects in the authority’s 30-year master plan and it is aimed at improving Kenya’s marine competitiveness as an investment hub.
The industrial fishing port infrastructure will include a multipurpose berth that will incorporate fish and conventional cargo handling and cold storage facilities besides a fish processing plant.
Pioneer fishing harbour
Interest in the project had been shown by 16 firms at the tendering stage. Upon completion of the port, it is envisaged that it will be a pioneer fishing harbor in the country and is expected to have a positive impact on trade and economic growth in the coastal region. Eng. Sidai said KPA will ensure that the new port will provide a comfortable, convenient and clean environment for the fishing communities.
“The works are expected to start any time this month and will be ready for commercial operations in 24 months’ time,” Eng Sidai said.
In addition, the Authority plans to construct a modern fish market to serve the needs of local fisher folks. Eng. Sidai said the existing Shimoni jetty will be rehabilitated by the Authority so as to continue serving the local folks and support tourism activities.
The KPA official said the new facility would enable large-scale exploitation of the fishing industry, bolstered by a ready market and value addition, which will spur the creation of a special economic zone.
“The fishing sector can play a significant role in the development of ocean frontier counties such as Kwale but due to the underdevelopment of fisheries infrastructure, utilization of marine resources has not been optimal,” said Eng. Sidai.
February 24, 2022
Kwale County Transfers Shimoni Fishing Port Sites Title Deed
The Kwale County administration has transferred the title deed for the 3.8 hectares of land on which the Shimoni fishing port will be developed by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
Speaking during the signing of the property transfer agreement at the County Headquarters in Kwale town, Governor Salim Mvurya said that the government had transferred the Shimoni fishing port project’s land and hoped that the remaining steps would be completed as quickly as possible to allow for the start and completion of the project.
Construction to begin in April
KPA acting managing director John Mwangemi, on the other hand, said that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Shimoni fishing port project is scheduled for April 2022, adding that approximately US$ 22.9M has been set aside for the project.
Governor Mvurya asked KPA to completely engage and include the local population and the county government in the project’s execution adding that his administration is fully committed to supporting and guaranteeing the project’s effective execution.
The project is expected to be completed within a period of 24 months after its commencement.
