Sh.2.6b Shimoni fishing port to be completed next year

During his last tour of the Coast, Ruto directed KPA and the Kwale county government to acquire 200 to 300 acres more for the fish processing infrastructure.

According to data from the Kenya Fisheries Service (KFS), marine fisheries contribute only 26,000 tonnes of fish annually, about 17 per cent of the total national fish production.

This is way below the potential of 150,000 to 300,000 tonnes per year, said KFS, adding that in 2020, fish caught in the marine landing dropped by seven per cent from 27,740 tonnes in 2019.

Despite the vast fishing area and availability of fish, the marine sector lags behind Lake Victoria, which accounts for up to 60 per cent of the national fish production.

According to Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, 70 per cent of fish in Kenya is from freshwater and 13 per cent from aquaculture.

"Only 17 per cent of the fish in Kenya come from marine waters. The marine fishery has the potential to produce between 150,000 and 300,000 tonnes," said Mvurya.

A team chaired by Kwale County Commissioner Meru Mwangi has been meeting to track the progress of the project.

[email protected]