Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Maritime Affairs, and Blue Economy Hassan Joho and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani have launched the construction of a modern fish landing site at Mwaepe in Kinondo Ward, Msambweni Sub-county.
The Ksh256 million project, funded by the World Bank and implemented through the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) program in collaboration with the Kwale County Government, is expected to boost artisanal fisheries along Kenya’s southern coast.
The project includes the construction of a modern fish banda with an ice plant, a gear-mending shed, a modern boatyard, a multifunctional building for Beach Management Unit (BMU) offices, a conference room, two restaurant blocks, retail business stalls, and an ablution block.
Upon completion, the Mwaepe fish landing site is expected to enhance fish storage and marketing while reducing post-harvest losses.
Speaking at the event, CS Joho commended the Kwale County Government for promoting the blue economy through the provision of modern fishing boats, fishing gear, and accessories, which have significantly boosted the sector.
He noted that the peaceful environment in Kwale has encouraged the national government to invest in multibillion-shilling projects in the blue economy as part of President William Ruto’s plan to create employment opportunities for youth.
Joho listed several ongoing projects, including the construction of the Shimoni Fishing Port, a maritime institute at Chitsakamatsa, and a mariculture institute at Shimoni.
The CS called on local authorities to reclaim all grabbed fish landing sites, warning land grabbers in Kwale that their days were numbered.
“There is a deliberate intention by President William Ruto administration to sort out land tussles in the Coast region and for this reason i fully support Ruto Administration,” Joho Said.
Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, representing Governor Achani, said the county has supplied 59 modern fishing boats and two ecotourism vessels operating in Diani and Shimoni benefiting over 1,500 households.
Chirema echoed Joho’s sentiments on land reclamation, disclosing that the county successfully reclaimed the Mwaepe fish landing site and issued a valid title deed to the Beach Management Unit.
“For the past 2 years we have reclaimed a number of parcels of land in kwale that were irregularly acquired including Chale Island,Kisite Mpunguti,and two beach plots and the war on land grabbing is still on course under Achani Administration,” Chirema Said.
