Ksh2.6 Billion Shimoni Fish Port is Complete, says KPA

By Harrison Kivisu

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Kenya Ports Authority said the completion of the Ksh2.6 billion Shimoni fish landing port in Kwale County marked a significant milestone in its efforts to boost the country’s blue economy.

The project, which began on October 1, 2022, is a testament to the authority’s commitment to sustainable utilization of ocean resources and economic growth.

According to KPA managing director Captain William Ruto the completion of the project is a demonstration that local contractors can deliver on key infrastructural projects.

The Shimoni Port is equipped with modern facilities for vessel landing, fish processing, and cold storage, which will bolster the fisheries value chain, generate employment opportunities, and boost local economic growth.

The port’s jetty has a capacity to hold 200 tons of fish in a day and can employ over 1,000 youths. The fish coolers have a capacity of producing eight tons of ice cubes in a day.

The facility will serve as a fish landing, processing, and value addition site, and KPA plans to advertise for interested international companies to operationalise it within three to six months.

Speaking during the handing over of the project from the contractor, Southern engineering company (SECO), Capt Ruto said that the Shimoni port represents a strategic shift in the authority’s approach to port operations, and diversifying beyond cargo handling to focus on specialized fisheries infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Port of Mombasa has experienced remarkable growth, with a 14% increase in cargo throughput in 2024, reaching 40.99 million metric tonnes. Container traffic also soared by 24%, with 2.005 million TEUs recorded in 2024.

This positive momentum has been sustained into 2025, with the port handling 21.3 million metric tonnes of cargo and processing 1,012,949 TEUs of container traffic in the first half of the year.

The MD attributed the growth in cargo throughput and container traffic to significant increases in liquid bulk, dry bulk, and loose cargo.

“The port’s performance is a testament to the authority’s efforts to boost operational efficiency and service delivery. With the impressive results attained, KPA is optimistic about the promising performance that lies ahead.”

The authority’s commitment to investing in port infrastructure and promoting efficient port operations will continue to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for citizens.

The handing over of the Shimoni Fish Port is a significant milestone in KPA’s efforts to boost the country’s blue economy, and focus on strategic investments in port infrastructure will continue to drive growth and development in the region.

SECO handed over the facility to KPA after 36 months of construction.

“The completion of this project is a testimony that local contractors can deliver on key infrastructural projects. This project is a vital installation as it will benefit everyone in the entire value chain,” said Abdalla Athman, SECO’s managing director.

The official commissioning of the Shimoni Fish Port by President William Ruto will take place at a later date.