The government has unveiled a major investment plan aimed at transforming the coastal blue economy, with billions of shillings channeled into modern fish ports, landing sites, and a regional maritime training center to benefit thousands of locals who depend on the Indian Ocean ecosystem.
Speaking in Kwale County on Wednesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government is committed to empowering communities in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River through skill development, modern infrastructure, and support to Beach Management Units (BMUs).
“We are revitalizing value chains in the blue economy and empowering communities who derive their livelihoods from the maritime ecosystem,” said Kindiki.
The DP inspected the ongoing construction of the Regional Centre for Marine Transport and Port Logistics at Kombani in Matuga Constituency, currently at 82 per cent completion. The Sh607 million facility is expected to serve students from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It will offer training in maritime transport, sea faring, port management, logistics, ship making, marine science, and engineering, preparing youth for high-demand careers globally.
Over Sh3.2 billion has already been disbursed to Beach Management Units (BMUs), with the aim of supporting 200,000 fisherfolk across the five coastal counties. The government plans to complete several fish ports and landing sites by the end of the year.
“In Shimoni, Kwale County, the new fish port costing Sh2.6 billion is almost ready and will provide jobs for youth and women,” Kindiki said.
To combat post-harvest losses, the government is setting up five modern landing sites—complete with cold storage facilities and ice-making machines—by September at a cost of Sh1 billion.
In addition, the state is acquiring deep-sea fishing boats worth Sh600 million to enable local fisherfolk to venture further into the ocean and harvest higher-value fish.
“They will be able to go deep into the sea for days and come back with more profitable fish that fetch better prices,” Kindiki noted.
