Kwale county launches Ksh.256M modern fish landing site

The facility is expected to improve the blue economy and support local fisheries

The project, valued at Ksh 256 million and funded by the World Bank, is being implemented through the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) initiative in collaboration with the Kwale County Government. 

Once completed, the facility is expected to significantly boost artisanal fishing activities along Kenya’s southern coastal region.

The modern fish landing site will feature a range of facilities designed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the local fishing industry. 

These include a modern fish banda, an ice plant, a gear mending shed, a boatyard, a multifunctional building housing Beach Management Unit offices, a conference room, two restaurant blocks, retail business stalls, and an ablution block. 

The project aims to enhance fish storage, improve marketing of fish products, and reduce post-harvest losses, ultimately benefiting local fishers and the broader community.

During the launch event, Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho praised the Kwale County Government under Governor Fatuma Achani for its commitment to advancing the blue economy. 

He highlighted the county’s efforts in distributing modern fishing boats, gear, and accessories, which have already made a positive impact on the local fishing industry. 

Joho also emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment, which has enabled the national government to invest in multi-billion shilling projects in Kwale County as part of President William Ruto’s administration’s broader strategy to create employment opportunities for the youth.

Among the key projects Joho mentioned were the construction of the Shimoni Fishing Port, the Maritime Institute at Chitsakamatsa, and the Mariculture Institute at Shimoni. He also called on relevant authorities, including the provincial administration and the Kwale County Government, to collaborate in reclaiming grabbed fish landing sites and returning them to the rightful users. Joho issued a stern warning to land grabbers, stating that their days are numbered

“The Ruto administration is fully committed to resolving land disputes in the Coast region, and I stand firmly in support of these efforts,” Joho declared.

Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, representing Governor Achani, highlighted the county government’s achievements in supporting fishing communities. 

He noted that the distribution of 59 modern fishing boats and two eco-tourism vessels operating in Diani and Shimoni has not only boosted artisanal fisheries but also enhanced tourism in the region. Approximately 1,500 households have already benefited from these initiatives.

Echoing Joho’s sentiments on land issues, Deputy Governor Kombo revealed that the Mwaepe Fish Landing site had been successfully reclaimed from grabbers, and the Mwaepe Beach Management Unit has been issued a valid title deed. 

He added that over the past two years, the county government has reclaimed several parcels of land, including Chale Island, Kisite Mpunguti, and two beach plots, as part of its ongoing campaign against land grabbing.

“The fight against land grabbing remains a top priority under Governor Achani’s leadership, and we will continue to reclaim illegally acquired land for the benefit of our people,” Kombo stated.

Msambweni Member of Parliament Feisal Bader and Kinondo Member of County Assembly Juma Maone commended the Kwale County Government for its strong partnership with the national government, which has been instrumental in driving development in the region. 

They expressed optimism that the new fish landing site would transform the local fishing industry and improve livelihoods.