The government has stepped up efforts to modernise Kenya’s fisheries sector with the construction of a fully equipped fisheries hub at the Kilifi Central Fish Landing Site, a project expected to transform fish handling, value addition and marketing along the Coast.
Providing an update on Thursday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the facility is being developed with modern infrastructure aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability and the quality of fish management.
“The facility is being developed as a modern fisheries hub featuring cold storage infrastructure, an ice flake machine, a high-capacity fish handling area, a solar-powered energy system, structured market space and supporting administrative and sanitation facilities designed to improve efficiency, sustainability and fish quality management,” Omollo said.
Modern infrastructure to boost fisheries sector
The project will include cold storage facilities, an ice flake production plant, designated fish handling areas, solar-powered energy systems, market stalls and essential administrative and sanitation amenities.
According to Omollo, the investment is intended to modernise fish handling practices while ensuring products meet higher quality standards and remain competitive in local and regional markets.
Improved incomes for fisherfolk
The Principal Secretary said the project will strengthen fisheries value chains by improving post-harvest handling, expanding opportunities for value addition and increasing access to markets.
“Upon completion, the landing site will enhance fish handling, value addition and market access, helping improve incomes for fisherfolk, strengthen local fisheries value chains and stimulate economic growth within the coastal region while significantly reducing post-harvest losses,” he said.
The government expects the project to create a more efficient fisheries industry while supporting economic development in Kilifi County and the wider Coast region.
Jobs and skills development
Beyond infrastructure, the project is also expected to generate employment opportunities for local residents during construction and operation.
Omollo noted that internship opportunities have been incorporated into the project to provide young professionals with practical experience in construction, engineering and project management.
“The project is also creating employment opportunities for local residents while providing practical training and hands-on experience for interns in construction, engineering and project management,” he said.
Part of wider Coast development projects
The fisheries hub is one of several infrastructure projects currently being implemented by the government to stimulate economic growth along the Coast.
The update comes a day after Omollo announced that the Mwache Multipurpose Dam Project in Kwale County had reached 99 per cent completion.
The dam, whose construction began after President William Ruto launched the project in April 2023, is expected to improve water security in Mombasa and Kwale counties once operational.
According to Omollo, the 84-metre-high dam on the Mwache River will store approximately 127 million cubic metres of water and supply around 186,000 cubic metres daily for domestic, industrial and irrigation use.
He said the project will provide a long-term solution to persistent water shortages while supporting agriculture, livestock production, industry and broader economic development across the Coast region.
