The construction of the Sh20 billion Shimoni Fishing Port facility is set to kick- off in April.
Speaking last week, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Acting Managing Director John Mwangemi said they have finalised the process of land transfer and the contractor will at any time commence construction works.
“We are happy to announce that we have completed the exercise of land acquisition which will enable us to start the project,” he said.
Mwangemi said proper mechanisms have been outlined to fast-track the implementation of the project.
He said the port will at least take two years to be completed.
“The project is expected to be ready within the next 24 months immediately after its commencement,” he said.
According to Mwangemi, the old jetty will also be rehabilitated to ease smooth port operations and to allow locals to continue using it for socioeconomic benefits.
The feasibility study was approved last year and 16 firms shortlisted to construct the facility, however, it has not yet been confirmed which company won the tender.
The project will cost around Sh2.6 billion for the first phase which was scheduled to begin in July 2021.
The construction of the port had previously been delayed due to geographical issues.
The fish port will consist of cold storage facilities, a fish processing plant and conventional cargo handling equipment that will facilitate fish value addition and commercial trade.
Other components of the port include a new fish landing jetty and a fish market to improve fishing activities and standards of living for the local fishermen.
The land that was earlier allocated for the project turned out to be unfavourable for port activities.
The government later settled on land owned by the State Department of Fisheries that is next to the old Shimoni fish landing Jetty.
KPA will also take the initiative of refurbishing the current offices and instalment of complex water and electricity systems that are key components in the management of the port operations.