This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
On Saturday, President Uhuru Kenyatta embarked on a tour of development projects in various parts of Kwale County. The President was accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Samson Mwathethe.
One of the key projects visited was the Shimoni fish landing site, which the government is upgrading into a modern fishing port through the Kenya Ports Authority. The upgrading process, which includes the construction of cold storage facilities, new offices for state agencies, and berths for light cargo vessels, is expected to be complete within eight months at a cost of Shs 500 million.
Speaking to residents of Shimoni, President Kenyatta emphasized that the fishing port and supporting infrastructure will help stimulate economic activities in the area. He also announced that the government will sponsor 150 youth from the area to attend coxswain training at the Bandari Maritime Academy.
From Shimoni, the President proceeded to Kibuyuni town, where he inspected the ongoing construction of a 200-tonne-per-day fish processing factory by a Chinese investor. The factory, once complete, will directly employ 500 Kenyans from the area and provide a ready market for hundreds of fishermen from Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Somalia, and Madagascar.
While in Kibuyuni, the President also visited the Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers factory, a project by a local women's group. The group is engaged in the commercial cultivation and export of seaweed as well as the processing of the crop to make soap.
President Kenyatta assured area residents, who largely depend on sea fishing for their livelihood, that the government is working on resolving the challenge of illegal fishing to enable them earn more for their trade.
After Kibuyuni, the President flew to Vigurungani in Kinango Constituency, where he inspected the ongoing construction of the road from Samburu through Kinango to Kwale. The Samburu to Kinango section of the road is now 78 percent complete, with roadworks expected to be complete by December this year.
Once complete, the road will open up the southern region of the coastal belt to more trade investments. The President asked the contractor to speed up the works while ensuring that the agreed timelines and quality standards are strictly adhered to.
Later, the President made a surprise appearance at the homecoming ceremony of Principal Secretary Safina Kwekwe at the nearby Mwangoni Primary School grounds. While addressing thousands of enthusiastic residents, the President praised PS Kwekwe as a diligent public servant and challenged young girls from the area to emulate her and other eminent Kenyan women leaders.
