Officials in an inspection tour of Shimoni fishing port in Kwale County. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

The government's plan to build a premier fishing port in Shimoni in Kwale County is taking shape.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) that is overseeing the development of smaller ports along the coast recently announced that the construction of Shimoni Port has been given the green light.

KPA, in a statement, said it has been directed by the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment for the conservation of archaeological and cultural sites found in the area.

These cultural sites include Shimoni caves, which historians say were used to detain slaves before being sold during the slave trade era.

There are also old office buildings in the area that still stand today in what was once the capital of Kenya Protectorate in Shimoni.

The Heritage Impact Assessment outlines the historic or archaeological significance of a building or landscape within its wider setting.

It outlines proposed works, an assessment of their impact on the building or landscape and a mitigation strategy.

KPA's bid to construct Shimoni Fishing Port also got a major boost after stakeholders gave it a clean bill of health during a final multi-stakeholder participation meeting convened by Nema in conjunction with KPA at Wasini/Mkwiro Chief’s office grounds recently.

During the meeting chaired by Deputy County Commissioner, Lungalunga, sub-county Hussein Alas, the residents were urged to embrace the project.

“The State has no intention of killing the economy of its citizens as claimed but simply to bring forth this project as a value addition to your commercial activities,” he said.

KPA’s Head of Projects Development and Management William Tenay said the project would be undertaken in phases. The new jetty will be dedicated to handling fish products as required by international standards.

Nema County Director for Kwale Godfrey Wafula rooted for the conservation of corals during the construction phase as fishing and farming continue.

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