This archive report was first published on 8 September 2019.
On Saturday, President Uhuru Kenyatta embarked on an extensive tour of development projects in parts of Kwale County, accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Samson Mwathethe.
The President's first stop was the Shimoni fish landing site, which the government is upgrading into a modern fishing port through the Kenya Ports Authority. The project, valued at Ksh.500 million, is expected to be complete within eight months.
Speaking to residents, President Kenyatta said the fishing port and supporting infrastructure would help spur economic activities in the area. He also announced that the government would 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. Once complete, the factory will directly employ 500 Kenyans 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 group engaged in the commercial cultivation and export of seaweed.
President Kenyatta assured area residents 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 Mwangoni Primary School grounds. While addressing thousands of residents, the President said PS Kwekwe has distinguished herself as a diligent public servant.
He promised an upgrade of the primary school at a cost of Ksh.11 million and challenged young girls from the area to emulate PS Kwekwe and other eminent Kenyan women leaders.
