The Government is making significant strides in the development of the Regional Centre for Marine Transport and Port Logistics at Kombani in Matuga Constituency, Kwale County.
The sh.607 million facility is now 82% complete, signaling a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its blue economy and position itself as a regional maritime hub.
Speaking while inspecting the ongoing construction at Chitsakamatsa in Kombani, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki said the Centre, once complete, will offer specialized training to students from across the East and Central African region—including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Areas of study will include maritime transport, port logistics, marine engineering, shipbuilding, marine science, coxswain training, and other high-demand disciplines within the global maritime sector,” said Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
According to the government, the Centre is part of a broader strategy to revitalize value chains in the blue economy and economically empower coastal communities whose livelihoods are closely tied to the marine ecosystem.
The Deputy President was accompanied by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani and Principal Secretary for the Blue Economy, Betsy Njagi. The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to fast-tracking the project, with the first phase, which includes the construction and equipping of tuition blocks, nearing completion.
“This Centre will be a beacon of opportunity, equipping the next generation with skills that are globally competitive and locally transformative,” said Prof. Kindiki.
The project complements several other government-led blue economy initiatives, including: Disbursement of sh.3.2 billion in grants to fisher folk through Beach Management Units, Ongoing construction of the Shimoni and Liwatoni Fish Ports, and Development of modern fish markets and landing sites across Kenya’s five coastal counties: Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River.
Once operational, the Centre is expected to not only boost skills development but also create employment opportunities and catalyze regional economic integration through maritime trade and transport.
