Idle Kwale fish port gathers dust as Kenya Ports Authority seeks operator for Sh2.6b project
The Shimoni Fish Port, a new facility for fisheries and trading located in Lunga Lunga Sub-County, Kwale County, has been handed over to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) but will not be available for use by fisherfolk and traders for up to six months. The port, which was built by the Mombasa-based Southern Engineering Company (Seco) at a cost of approximately Sh2.6 billion, is currently undergoing a transition phase from construction completion to active usage under a private operator.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is managing the port temporarily while they advertise an international tender to attract local and international operators. The tender process is expected to take three to six months, after which the successful operator will be appointed to manage the port's day-to-day activities.
The port, which boasts modern facilities for vessel landing, fish processing, and cold storage, was officially handed over to KPA in July 2025. KPA Managing Director, Captain William Ruto, indicated that KPA will run the tender to select the operator who will manage the port.
The official commissioning of the port by President William Ruto is planned for a later date, implying that the port is not yet officially operational. Until a suitable operator is in place and commissioning occurs, fisherfolk and traders cannot fully utilize the port facilities.
The Shimoni Fish Port has been a trending topic this week, with many in the community eagerly awaiting its full operation. Once operational, the port is expected to boost the fishing industry in the region by providing a modern and efficient facility for the landing, processing, and storage of fish.
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Despite the Shimoni Fish Port being under the management of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) temporarily, the port will not be accessible to fisherfolk and traders for up to six months due to a transition phase and the pending tender process. Upon successful selection of an operator, the port, with its modern facilities for transportation, public-transit (fisheries), finance (trading), and transportation (vessel landing), is expected to significantly enhance the fishing industry in the region.
