Nairobi: Hundreds of fisherfolk in Msambweni constituency of Kwale county are set to benefit from a modern fisheries facility handed over to them by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The multimillion-shilling investment aims at transforming the local fishing industry and enhancing livelihoods with cold storage and ice factories, a long-standing challenge faced by fishing communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the new facility, constructed under KPA’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, is expected to significantly improve fish handling, preservation, and market access for fishermen and fish traders in the area. The project is designed to address longstanding challenges facing fishing communities, including inadequate fish preservation facilities, limited storage capacity, and lack of modern fishing equipment.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, KPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Capt. William Ruto said the project aimed at helping remote coastal communities improve their fishing. Capt. Ruto said the investment underscores the Authority’s commitment to supporting communities while contributing to the government’s agenda of expanding the blue economy sector.
The Sector, also known as the sustainable ocean-based economy, encompasses fisheries, maritime biotechnology, aquaculture, tourism, and marine transport and logistics. ‘This project is more than an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in people, livelihoods, and the future of our coastal communities,’ he said. He emphasized that the KPA intervention is aimed at helping local fisherfolk preserve their fish catch longer thus enabling them to maximize on profit.
Capt. Ruto noted that the facility will directly benefit fisherfolks by reducing post-harvest losses, improving the quality of fish products, and enabling fishermen to access more lucrative markets. He further announced that KPA will conduct an evaluation after three years to assess the project’s impact, sustainability, and contribution to the overall community development.
The Sh126.9 million facility comprises an administration office block, a fish storage facility, an ice plant enabling immediate post-harvest cooling, and one fishing boat with outboard engines. The new facilities are expected to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance incomes, and improve the sustainable management of the local marine fishery resources.
Capt. Ruto said the marine infrastructure is expected to strengthen the entire fisheries value chain by helping fishermen preserve the freshness and quality of their catch while improving operational efficiency. The KPA CEO emphasized that enhanced fish handling and storage capacity will increase household incomes, boost food security, create employment opportunities, and support sustainable socio-economic growth across the coastal region.
The Msambweni Member of Parliament Feisal Bader, who attended the handing over ceremony, commended KPA for its continued support to the local fishing communities, describing the project as a game changer for residents and the local economy. ‘This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to unlock the full potential of the blue economy sector thus creating sustainable livelihoods for our coastal communities,’ said Bader.
Bader noted that the project reflects growing efforts to diversify maritime sector investments beyond traditional port operations by promoting fisheries development and strengthening other blue economy value chains. The legislator said the new fisheries facilities will enable local coastal fishing villages to reduce seafood post-harvest losses, preserve catch quality and raise local incomes. ‘With proper fish storage facilities in place local fisherfolks can now access wider and higher-value markets beyond their immediate localities,’ he said.
He added, ‘with reliable access to ice plants fishermen will be able to preserve the freshness and quality of their catch from landing sites to the markets.’ Leaders present at the event called on the beneficiaries to ensure proper management and maintenance of the facility to maximize its benefits and guarantee its sustainability for future generations.
The handover marks another milestone in KPA’s commitment to empowering communities through strategic investments that promote economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social development along Kenya’s coastline.
