By Shaban Omar
The long-awaited Sh1.2 billion Regional Centre for Marine Transport and Port Logistics in Chitsakamatsa, Matuga, Kwale County, is finally taking shape, with construction work now in full swing.
The first phase of the flagship institution, which involves putting up and equipping tuition blocks, is 82% complete, bringing renewed hope to the region’s maritime education ambitions.
The project, being implemented under the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), is funded by the World Bank and spearheaded by the national government.
Its progress had previously stalled due to budget constraints and political interference. Its construction was supposed to start in late 2019.
But during a surprise inspection visit to the site on Wednesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki assured residents of the government’s renewed commitment to complete the institution.
“This is a critical investment for the blue economy and skills development. We are determined to ensure it is completed without further delays,” said Kindiki.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki shakes hands with a casual laborer at Chitsakamatsa in Kwale County on Wednesday, April 16, 2025
He also revealed that plans are underway to construct 1,000 housing units within the vicinity to provide affordable accommodation for students and ease their learning experience.
“We want to initiate Phase II, which will include student hostels as part of the government’s affordable housing initiative,” he said.
Once complete, the centre is expected to revolutionize marine transport training in the region and serve as a hub for port logistics education in East Africa.
Kindiki said the centre of excellence will not only serve Kenya, but also students from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Congo and Ethiopia said equipping them with high-level skills in marine transport and port logistics.
The Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, a leading Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution, is the implementing agency for the project.
The DP said the initiative is designed to empower youth, uplift local communities, enhance labour force specialisation, and open up job opportunities both locally and internationally.
“The aim of the government is to ensure that the centre develops competent graduates in the blue economy sector and also foster regional integration,” he said.
A section of the Regional Centre for Marine Transport and Port Logistics in Chitsakamatsa, Matuga, Kwale County
He added that already the project is providing employment opportunities to various youth and more will come via affordable housing units.
Kindiki has said that through the ongoing project and several similar initiatives, President William Ruto’s administration is committed to supporting sea-dependent communities across the coastal region.
According to Kindiki, the government is keen on ensuring that the communities are not left behind in national development efforts, especially in sectors where they have a natural advantage.
“We want to empower our coastal communities to tap into the immense potential of the blue economy through targeted mentorship and empowerment programs,” he said.
Kindiki emphasized that the blue economy which includes fisheries, marine transport, tourism, and ocean-based industries remains largely underutilized despite the region’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean.
He added that the government is working closely with both local and international partners to provide the necessary training, infrastructure, and market access to uplift livelihoods and create sustainable economic opportunities in the coastal belt.
Kindiki has said the ongoing construction of the Shimoni Fish Port in Kwale is nearing completion and is expected to revolutionize the region’s economy.
Kindiki noted that once operational, the modern port will not only boost fish processing and export but also create jobs and improve incomes for local communities that depend heavily on the ocean for their livelihood.
In addition to the Shimoni project, the government is constructing fish landing sites in each of the six coastal counties as part of a broader plan to strengthen the blue economy.
“These landing sites are designed to support our fisherfolk by providing essential infrastructure that adds value to their catch,” said Kindiki.
The Deputy President said each landing site will be equipped with specialized rooms for storage and refrigeration, ensuring proper handling and preservation of fish products.
This, he added, will help reduce post-harvest losses and improve access to wider markets, both locally and internationally.
He further said the government remains committed to uplifting the fishing sector by enhancing capacity, infrastructure, and access to financing which are key pillars in unlocking the full potential of Kenya’s maritime economy.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani Marine Centre of excellence will be a beacon of opportunity, training students from Kenya and the East and Central African region in high-demand maritime fields such as port logistics, marine engineering, and shipbuilding.
She said the institution will provide sufficient knowledge to youth spearheading the full exploration and exploitation of the blue economy opportunities to tackle the unemployment crisis.
Achani said the centre of excellence will greatly change the phase value of Kwale and its environs.
She called on the youths to make use of this opportunity once the project is fully implemented and enroll for courses that will give them skills that will market them for employment opportunities in the blue economy sector and related business opportunities.
