KPA holds sensitisation forum on proposed Shimoni Fishing Port project
Mombasa - October 8,2020
The
Authority on Friday held a public stakeholder meeting for the ongoing Environmental
Social Impact Assessment study for the proposed Shimoni Fishing port that will
be constructed in the coming months.
This
is as per the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 which requires the engagement of the
citizenry in decision making before implementation of projects which affect
them.

From right: Lunga Lunga Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Patrick Kimolo, Pongwe-Kikoneni Ward MCA, Nassoro Bakari Mgutta (standing) and area Chief Adini Mgeni during the public forum.
The
construction of the Shimoni port is expected to have positive impact on
trade and economic growth, large scale exploitation of the fish industry
bolstered by a ready market and value addition which will spur the creation of
special economic zones.
To
protect the environment against the negative impacts of the project; a raft of
measures has been recommended and will be applied to ensure smooth
implementation of the project whilst minimizing environmental degradation.

Mr. Mohammed Hussein, a participant, presents his views during the meeting.
Kwale
Governor Hon. Salim Mvurya, who was represented at the meeting by the County
Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of Agriculture Ms. Joanne Nyamasyo,
urged the Kwale residents to focus on the positive benefits of the project
which is expected to create employment opportunities and improve trade and
economic empowerment of the locals.

A section of the participants in a group discussion.
"Let's
embrace dialogue and provide room to accommodate different views and agree on
how to mitigate the negative effects to reap maximum benefits from the
project," said the official. The CEC member was accompanied by Mr. Hassan
Ngalaa, the Acting Chief Officer for Environment.
The
MCA for Pongwe-Kikoneni Ward, Nassoro Bakari Mgutta, said he fully supports the
project to be undertaken in his Ward saying it will not only benefit Kwale
County but the entire nation.
Kwale
County Commissioner Mr. Karuku Ngumo was represented by the Lunga Lunga Deputy
County Commissioner Mr. Patrick Kimolo.
The
residents of Kwale have requested KPA to come up with a written MOU detailing
the engagement and the expected benefits.

KPA officials from left Ms. Ann Otit ,Captain AbdulAziz Mzee, Mr. Mohamed Golicha and Mr. Daniel Githinji following proceedings of the meeting.
Addressing
the meeting, KPA's Principal Environment Officer Mr. Daniel Githinji, assured
the participants of the Authority’s commitment in ensuring the success of the
project without disrupting their economic livelihoods.
One
of the key objectives of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study
is to systematically assess the value of the benefits of a project against the
environmental and social concerns, and equally provide measures to avoid,
prevent or reduce the magnitude of the impacts.
Kenya
Ports Authority is constructing Shimoni Port which will be the premier fishing
port in the country.
The
industrial fishing port infrastructure will include a multi-purpose berth that
will incorporate fish and conventional cargo handling, cold storage facilities,
reefer stations and value addition including fish processing plants.
The
existing jetty will also be rehabilitated to continue serving the local
fishermen and support tourism.