The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has confirmed the completion of the Ksh 2.6 billion Shimoni fish landing port, marking 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 Captain William Ruto, KPA Managing Director, the completion of the project is a demonstration that local contractors can deliver on key infrastructural projects.
The Shimoni Fish 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 8 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 operationalize it within 3-6 months.
Speaking during the handing over of the project from the contractor, Southern engineering company (SECO) Captain Ruto emphasized that the Shimoni Fish Port represents a strategic shift in the Authority’s approach to port operations, diversifying beyond cargo handling to focus on specialized fisheries infrastructure.
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 24pc, 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.
Captain Ruto 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,” he said.
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 the Authority’s focus on strategic investments in port infrastructure will continue to drive growth and development in the region.
The facility was handed over to KPA by the contractor Southern Engineering company SECO after 36 months of construction. The official commissioning of the Shimoni Fish Port by President William Ruto will take place at a later date.
