Kenya is actively investing in infrastructure projects to bolster its economic sectors, with a notable focus on the Blue Economy, particularly the fishing industry. The completion of key projects like the Shimoni Port is seen as a significant step towards unlocking the vast potential of marine resources.

The Shimoni Port: A Game-Changer for the Fishing Industry

The Shimoni Fish Port, located in Kwale County on Kenya's south coast, is a flagship project by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). As of early July 2025, the construction of the KSh 2.6 billion (approximately US$20 million) modern fishing harbor at Shimoni Port is complete and only awaits official handing over by the contractor. KPA had aimed for the port to be operational by June 2025.

This project is poised to transform the region's fishing industry by:

• Boosting Production and Value Addition: The new port is designed to handle up to 50,000 metric tonnes of fish annually. It features a multi-purpose berth, a modern jetty (75m x 30m) and a 135-meter causeway capable of berthing two fishing vessels simultaneously, a warehouse, a fish market, cold storage facilities, reefer stations, and ice-making plants. These facilities will significantly reduce post-harvest losses and allow for efficient processing and value addition, ensuring fish can be processed, stored, and transported in optimal conditions for both local and international markets.

• Creating Jobs and Stimulating Economic Growth: The project has already employed hundreds of locals during its construction phase, with more jobs expected in port operations, fish processing, and related industries once it's fully operational. It is anticipated to stimulate entrepreneurship and attract private sector investment in cold chain logistics and marine processing.

• Enhancing Access to Markets: The modern facilities will provide fishermen with better access to markets and improved handling facilities, maximizing profits for local fishers. It also positions Kenya as a key player in the regional fishing industry, promoting both local consumption and exports.

• Harnessing Blue Economy Potential: The Shimoni Port is a key part of the government's broader vision to maximize benefits from the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Indian Ocean. Kenya's EEZ has an annual potential of 350,000 metric tonnes of fish, but has historically yielded a paltry amount due to inadequate facilities and gear. The government believes the maritime sector has the potential to contribute up to KSh 500 billion to the GDP annually.

Broader Infrastructure and Blue Economy Initiatives

Beyond Shimoni, Kenya is investing in a range of infrastructure projects to bolster its Blue Economy and the fishing sector:

• Kabonyo Kanyagwal Fisheries Centre of Excellence: This multi-billion shillings project in Kisumu County, on the shores of Lake Victoria, is also underway and expected to be completed by December 2025. It will house modern fish hatcheries capable of producing seven million fingerlings per quarter, a feed manufacturing unit, a Fisheries Training School, and research facilities. This aims to boost inland fisheries and aquaculture.

• Fish Landing Sites: The government is investing KSh 1.5 billion (US$11.6 million) in constructing state-of-the-art fish landing sites along Lake Victoria's shores. These sites will feature cold storage facilities (up to five metric tons/day capacity), ice-making machines, and fish-processing units to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.

• Fishing Vessels and Equipment: President Ruto had previously promised to equip local fishers with modern deep-sea fishing vessels. While concerns have been raised about the delivery of these promises and the suitability of boats provided by county governments, the intention is to empower local communities to venture into deeper waters.

• Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development Project (KEMFSED): Funded by the World Bank, this KSh 10 billion project is being implemented in coastal counties (Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu). It includes components for alternative livelihoods for fishermen, providing grants to groups to undertake non-fisheries projects.

• Modernization of Beach Management Units (BMUs): The government is keen to transform the country's 445 Beach Management Units into cooperative societies. This aims to enable fishermen to access financial support, benefit from economies of scale, and secure better market access, both in the Indian Ocean and inland waters like Lake Victoria.

• Aquaculture Development: Initiatives like the Climate-Resilient Aquaculture (CASA) project (USD 10 million, funded by the Gates Foundation and Qatar Fund for Development) aim to expand farmers' access to genetically improved tilapia strains, targeting 4,000 farmers and producing over 150 million improved tilapia seed over five years. This project seeks to increase Kenya's fish production from approximately 147,000 metric tons to 450,000 metric tons by 2030.

Challenges and Concerns

While the infrastructure development is largely welcomed, some concerns persist:

• Impact on Artisanal Fishers: Local artisanal fishers near Shimoni have expressed concerns that the large-scale industrial port, with its deeper dredging and increased vessel traffic, could disrupt traditional near-shore fishing grounds and make it harder for them to compete with better-equipped commercial fleets. There are also fears about pollution from ships and port activities affecting marine life and livelihoods.

• Unfulfilled Promises: Some local communities at Shimoni feel that promises of deep-sea fishing boats capable of venturing further into the ocean have not been fully met, leaving them potentially disadvantaged when larger commercial vessels begin operations.

• Environmental Impact: While environmental impact assessments were conducted, local groups have raised concerns about the potential destruction of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves during construction and from future port operations, highlighting the need for robust environmental monitoring and mitigation measures.

Despite these challenges, the completion of the Shimoni Port and other ongoing infrastructure projects represent a significant push by the Kenyan government to leverage its maritime resources. If managed effectively, with careful attention to environmental protection and the livelihoods of local communities, these investments have the potential to significantly boost Kenya's fishing industry, create employment, and contribute substantially to the national economy under the ambitious Blue Economy agenda.