Kenya has completed the KSh 2.6 billion Shimoni Fish Port in Kwale County, marking a major stride in advancing its blue economy agenda. Developed by Southern Engineering Company Ltd (SECO) and commissioned by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the modern port is expected to transform the South Coast into a regional hub for fisheries and maritime commerce.
Scope of work done
The facility introduces industrial-scale fish processing, cold storage, and export capabilities, promising to uplift a region historically reliant on artisanal fishing. It features a 75m x 30m jetty, 135m causeway, berthing for two vessels, processing plant, ice-making and cold storage units, power substation, bio-digester, and wastewater treatment systems all built to international maritime standards.
KPA’s Acting Corporate Communications Manager, Jones Buchere, emphasized the port’s potential to create jobs, attract investment, and boost exports. “It’s a gateway to economic transformation for our coastal communities,” he said during an inspection tour.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani hailed the development as a lifeline for thousands of coastal families, adding that its proximity to Mombasa Port would enhance export logistics and competitiveness in the regional seafood market.
Beyond economic benefits, the port underscores Kenya’s commitment to sustainable fishing and marine conservation. Environmental safeguards, including wastewater management, aim to protect local ecosystems. With the Shimoni Fish Port ready for commissioning, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable ocean-based development across Africa.