By Patrick Chiriba
Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho launched a new sh175 million Kidongo Fish Landing Site project in Kisauni Constituency on Monday.
The project aims to revolutionize fishing infrastructure and increase opportunities for coastal communities.
The facility, once complete, will be equipped with advanced ice-making and cold storage capabilities to enhance fish preservation and processing.
“As a Ministry, we prioritize transformation of the fishing subsector while at the same time creating jobs and opportunities for women and the youth,” Joho stated, emphasizing the project's transformative impact on local fishing practices.
“For the first time, fishermen here will have an ice-making machine and a large cold storage room to store all the fish they catch. Our goal is to ensure that by the time I leave office, fishermen in this region will have made significant progress.”
CS Joho addresses attendees at the launch of the Kidongo Fish Landing Site in Majaoni. (Photo: Patrick Chiriba)
The facility, part of the government’s broader blue economy agenda, promises an economic boost for coastal Kenya by enabling fisherfolk to clean, package, and distribute their catch more effectively.
CS Joho highlighted plans for a second phase that will focus on enhancing market infrastructure, including a proposed large fish market in Majaoni, which aims to create jobs, particularly for women and youth.
Principal Secretary for Blue Economy Betsy Njagi underscored the government's commitment to timely project completion, stating, "As Principal Secretaries, we will ensure that these projects are completed within the set timeframes.”
Speaking during the launch, Beach Management Unit (BMU) Chairman Kokota Chivasti expressed optimism about the project and called for greater inclusion of local stakeholders.
He pointed out logistical challenges facing the fishing community, particularly in terms of transport and collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to address regulatory overlaps affecting fishing practices.
“We have also had a bit of an issue with the KWS. If there’s an issue, perhaps due to a conflict in their regulations with ours, then we should sit together and talk so that this work can be done properly.”
Local leaders join the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kidongo Fish Landing Site. (Photo: Patrick Chiriba)
Joho also called on Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri and MCAs to work closely with fisherfolk, especially concerning disputed land rights affecting fishing access.
He urged the fishermen to provide a list of essential equipment needs that the government could support to advance local fishing operations.
Several local leaders attended the ceremony, including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir, Senator Faki Mwinyihaji, and MPs Rashid Bedzimba, Mishi Mboko, Machele Mohamed, and Zamzam Mohammed.
