Government launches jetty and patrol boat in Kwale

Boats at the Shimoni jetty in Kwale in 2011. PHOTO | GIDEON MAUNDU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Harun Khator, the director of administration in the State Department of Fisheries and Blue Economy, said the government was committed to putting in place appropriate policies that support fisheries and the maritime economy.
  • He said the jetty was expected to ease congestion in Shimoni and minimise problems experienced by tourists as they accessed the protected area.

The government has launched a jetty in Shimoni and patrol boat at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, both in Kwale, aimed at boosting tourism and conservation.

Mr Harun Khator, the director of administration in the State Department of Fisheries and Blue Economy, said the government was committed to putting in place appropriate policies that support fisheries and the maritime economy.

“The Fisheries Management and Development Act 2016 provided for the establishment of institutions, like Kenya Fisheries Service, Kenya Fish Levy Trust Fund, Kenya Fisheries Advisory Council and Fisheries Marketing Authority,” Mr Khator said in a press release on Thursday.

EASE CONGESTION

He said the jetty was expected to ease congestion in Shimoni and minimise problems experienced by tourists as they accessed the protected area.

“The jetty, together with the rehabilitated Sheldrick Falls site at Shimba Hills National Reserve, are expected to rejuvenate tourism, one of the key sectors through which the Kenya Wildlife Service

contributes to the economy,” he said.

The projects were funded by the World Bank and implemented by Kenya Coastal Development Project, which brings together seven State agencies including the KWS.