​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.