Mombasa, Kenya – The Kenyan government has earmarked Sh1.4 billion for the establishment of several fish landing sites along the coast to boost the fishing industry and economic activity in the region. This investment aims to transition fishing from a casual activity to a substantial economic venture.

According to Kenya News Agency, and Maritime Affairs, the new facilities will be located at Mokowe and Mtangawanda in Lamu County, Kipini in Tana River County, Kichwa cha Kati, Ngomeni, and Kilifi Central in Kilifi County, as well as Kadongo in Mombasa County. Additionally, a site at Mwaepe in Kwale County will be developed alongside the upgrade of the existing facility at Mwandamo Beach Management Unit (BMU).

During the National Celebrations of this year’s World Ocean Day held at the Mwandamo BMU in Msambweni, Kwale County, Mvurya outlined the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure from Lamu to Vanga to support the preservation and handling of fish. The event was also a platform to discuss further developments, including the construction of a Sh838 million Blue Economy Training Centre at Shimoni in Kwale County, which will offer training in various maritime professions to locals and regional students.

CS Mvurya revealed that this training center will complement the Sh1.2 billion Regional Maritime Logistics Institute currently under construction at Kombani in Kwale County. He announced the upcoming launch of the ‘Vijana na Baharia’ project, which will train 600 youths to produce life jackets locally, reducing the need for imports.

In addition to educational efforts, the Ministry has procured 150 modern fishing boats to enhance local fishing capabilities and plans to purchase an additional 25 boats for deep-sea fishing. Mvurya urged local residents to engage with the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project, a World Bank collaboration that has disbursed Sh1 billion and will release further funds totaling nearly Sh2 billion in its remaining phases.

The broader government strategy includes a significant Sh2.6 billion investment in a new fisheries port to strengthen the region’s blue economy infrastructure. Mvurya called on the community to work together to reduce marine pollution and protect the environment, ensuring sustainable growth in the coastal economy.