Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has officially handed over a Sh129.6 million fisheries infrastructure project to the Msambweni community in Kwale County, marking a major boost in livelihoods of the local fishing communities and the region’s blue economy.
The project comprises a modern beach management unit (BMU) office, a fish value addition and processing facility, cold storage infrastructure, an ice-making plant and a deep-sea fishing vessel, aimed at increasing fish harvests and reducing post-harvest losses.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, KPA Managing Director (MD) Captain William Ruto said the investment was part of the Authority’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and was intended to improve livelihoods while supporting sustainable utilization of marine resources.
“We are officially handing over this project to the people of Msambweni. It now belongs to the community, and we urge you to safeguard it so that it transforms the lives of local fishermen and fish traders,” said Cpt Ruto.
He said the authority had addressed concerns raised by the community during implementation and pledged to rectify the few remaining defects, including repairing damaged equipment and improving lighting at the facility.
Captain Ruto noted that the project would support fish value addition, enabling fish caught in deep waters to be processed, preserved and sold at better prices.
“We want fish landed here to be cleaned, processed and prepared for export after value addition. This will create employment opportunities, especially for women and young people,” he said.
The KPA boss further assured residents that local youth would be prioritized for employment opportunities arising from the operationalization of the Shimoni Port and other outsourced port services.
“Whenever opportunities arise, priority will be given to qualified local residents because they possess the local knowledge required for these projects,” he said.
Msambweni Member of Parliament (MP) Feisal Bader said the project fulfilled commitments made between the community and KPA following concerns over sand harvesting undertaken during port expansion works.
He explained that although the courts ruled that the dredging activities had not caused environmental damage warranting compensation, negotiations with KPA resulted in a CSR programme benefiting the affected communities.
“This project is much bigger than the buildings you see here. It is the outcome of agreements we reached with KPA to ensure the community benefits through sustainable development initiatives,” said Bader.
The MP said the deep-sea fishing vessel, cold storage and ice plant would enable fishermen to venture further into the ocean, increase fish catches and improve household incomes through better preservation and marketing of fish.
He appealed to the Authority to complete the remaining components of the project, including providing furniture for the new offices and addressing minor technical issues before full operations begin.
Bader also urged KPA to continue giving employment opportunities to youth from Msambweni whenever vacancies arise.
“We have fulfilled almost all the commitments under our agreement. The only major issue remaining is ensuring our young people access employment opportunities within KPA projects,” he said.
Kwale Beach Management Unit Network Coordinator, Mtengo Ali said the facility would strengthen collaborative management of marine resources while promoting sustainable livelihoods among fishing communities.
He said the facility would serve BMUs across Msambweni Sub-County by providing office space for coordination, fish value addition and training.
“The Beach Management Units are established under the Fisheries Management and Development Act to support conservation of marine resources while improving the welfare of fishing communities. This project gives us the infrastructure to effectively perform that mandate,” he said.
Ali noted that the value addition facility would enable fishermen to earn higher returns by processing fish locally instead of selling raw fish immediately after landing.
Kinondo MCA Juma Maone, welcomed the project, saying it would reduce post-harvest losses and improve incomes for fishermen through proper storage and processing facilities.
He, however, urged KPA to facilitate acquisition of equipment for transporting fish from the fishing vessel to the cold storage facility to ensure the project achieves its intended impact.
“The project is excellent, but it requires the remaining logistical support so that fish harvested offshore can reach the processing and cold storage facilities efficiently,” said Maone.
The MCA also appealed to KPA to support vocational training for local youth in port-related courses to prepare them for employment opportunities expected from the operationalization of the Shimoni Port.
The ceremony was attended by KPA officials, Deputy County Commissioner Josephat Mtia, BMU leaders, local administrators and residents from various fishing beaches across Msambweni Sub County.
By Chari Suche
