KPA Hands Over Ksh126.9 Million Fish Storage and Ice Plant in Msambweni

By Mwakwaya Raymond

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Kenya Ports Authority has officially handed over a fish cold-storage facility and an ice-making plant to the Msambweni community in Kwale County in a move aimed at strengthening the region’s blue economy.

Speaking during the commissioning of the project in Kinondo, KPA managing director Captain William Ruto said the government and the authority were committed to ensuring that development projects directly benefit communities living around them.

“Our objective is to ensure that projects such as this fish cold-storage facility, the ice-making plant and the Port of Shimoni directly improve the lives of the surrounding communities,” he said.

According to him the facility will support local fishermen by improving fish preservation, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing the quality and market value of their catch.

The project, valued at Ksh126.9 million, is also expected to create employment opportunities for young people and stimulate growth in the fisheries and wider maritime sectors.

Msambweni MP Feisal Bader said the government remained committed to empowering young people through development projects being implemented across county.

“This project will benefit members of the Beach Management Units by improving fish storage, increasing fishermen’s incomes and creating more economic opportunities for young people in Msambweni,” he said.

The MP said investments in fisheries infrastructure would enable residents to derive greater value from the region’s marine resources and contribute to the growth of the blue economy.