DP Gachagua arrives at Shimoni to handover fishing boats to Kwale fishermen
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has arrived in Shimoni, Kwale County.
It is his first time to step foot in the region since President William Ruto was elected to power.
Gachagua is expected to inspect the progress of the Multimillion Shimoni port and hand over fishing gear and eight boats to the Lunga-Lunga local fishermen.
The fishing equipment is meant to promote fishing and help exploit the blue economy opportunities.
The government banks on the Shimoni port to revolutionize fishing activities in the region.
The much-awaited modern fish port facility will include a multipurpose berth that incorporates fish and conventional cargo.
It will also have a stylish landing site for smooth operations, a fish market and cold storage facilities to spearhead fish processing and value addition.
Lunga-Lunga MP Mangale Chiforomodo said the boats will play a great role in uplifting the living standards of the local community which solely depend on fishing.
He said the equipment will assist them to improve their catch and grow the economy.
“Fishermen used to rely on dilapidated wooden canoes but the new boats are a boost to the fishing sector,” he said.
Chiforomodo urged the government to consider other remaining local fishermen along the Vanga-Shimoni seascape.
Political advisor to the Governor Mshenga Vuya Ruga said the boats are given under the Go-Blue projects.
He said the Kwale government has been at the frontline in supporting the local fisherfolks and will ensure the project is a success.
Later in the afternoon, Gachagua will grace a prize-giving event at Kwale High School in Matuga sub-county.
Earlier this morning, the DP opened the Deputy Governors Forum at PrideInn Resort Shanzu.
He is then expected at Kenya Fisheries Service Liwatoni for a handover ceremony of six surveillance boats to Kenya Coast Guards Services.