Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday inspected ongoing construction works at the Regional Centre for Marine Transport and Port Logistics in Kombani, Matuga Constituency, Kwale County — a flagship government project aimed at strengthening Kenya’s position in the blue economy.
The Sh607 million project, currently 82% complete, is set to become a regional hub for maritime education and training. Once operational, the Centre will admit students from across the East African region, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The facility will offer specialized courses in maritime transport, port management, logistics, shipbuilding, marine science, marine engineering, and other high-demand fields.
Speaking during the inspection tour, DP Kindiki reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to unlocking the potential of Kenya’s maritime sector, noting that the blue economy holds untapped opportunities for job creation, innovation, and sustainable development.
“The Centre is a key intervention by the Government to not only modernize and professionalize our marine transport sector but also empower our coastal communities with high-level skills that can compete on the global stage,” said the Deputy President.
He emphasized that the project aligns with Kenya’s broader development agenda to enhance regional integration, improve port efficiency, and revitalize value chains linked to the maritime ecosystem.
In addition to the marine training centre, DP Kindiki highlighted other ongoing government initiatives under the blue economy framework. These include the disbursement of Sh3.2 billion in grants to fisher folk through Beach Management Units, the construction of Shimoni and Liwatoni Fish Ports, and the development of fish landing sites and markets across the five coastal counties — Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River.
“These projects are about more than infrastructure; they are about people — the men and women who rely on our oceans and waterways for their livelihoods,” the Deputy President stated.
Local leaders and residents welcomed the project, expressing optimism that the centre will open up new economic opportunities for the youth and position Kwale as a key player in regional maritime affairs.
The Government plans to commission the Centre later this year upon its completion.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.