Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during an inspection tour in Kwale/DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has toured key marine and fisheries projects in Shimoni, Lunga Lunga Constituency, Kwale County.
In his inspection visit on Saturday, he urged contractors to ensure timely completion and adherence to quality standards.
The visit focused on flagship blue economy projects aimed at transforming livelihoods in the coastal region, where thousands of households depend on fishing and marine resources for survival.
The Deputy President said the government had invested billions of shillings over the past three years to empower fisherfolk and strengthen value chains linked to the Indian Ocean.
Among the major projects inspected was the Sh2.7 billion Shimoni Fish Port, which is now complete and awaiting operationalisation.
The port is expected to enhance fish handling, storage and export capacity, opening up regional and international markets for local fishermen.
Kindiki also assessed construction works at the National Marine Culture Research Centre of Excellence at Shimoni, a Sh1.4 billion facility that is currently 70 per cent complete.
"Inspected ongoing construction works, National Marine Culture Research Centre of Excellence, Shimoni, Lunga Lunga Constituency," he said in a statement.
He emphasised the need for contractors to meet deadlines and deliver the expected standards for what he described as a transformative project for marine research and aquaculture development.
"Urged timely completion and delivery of expected quality standards for this flagship project," he stated.
The Deputy President highlighted other investments in the county, including the disbursement of Sh652 million to Beach Management Units to boost 221 fisherfolk group business initiatives.
In addition, the government has procured and distributed 70 onshore fishing boats and acquired a search and rescue vessel to enhance safety at sea.
He noted that the procurement process for three deep-sea fishing vessels for the Kwale fishermen is underway.
Kindiki further inspected the Sh600 million Maritime Academy on Port Logistics at Kombani, which is 95 per cent complete.
The institution is expected to equip young people with technical skills in maritime operations and logistics, positioning them to tap into opportunities within the growing blue economy sector.
Other projects include the completed Sh53 million Kibuyuni Fish Landing Site and Seaweed Store and the Sh255 million Mwaepe Fish Landing Site, which is currently 50 per cent complete.
Accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, the Deputy President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uplifting coastal communities through sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
He said the investments are designed not only to modernise fishing infrastructure but also to create jobs, enhance incomes and spur economic growth in Kwale County and the broader coastal region.
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