Shimoni has long been a community whose life revolves around the Indian Ocean.
For fishermen, tour guides, boat operators and families living around Shimoni and Wasini Island, the sea is both a source of food and income.
Limited infrastructure has left Shimoni residents struggling with fish spoilage, low prices and limited opportunities.
Shimoni Fish Port development has begun to change, bringing new infrastructure to one of Kenya’s coastal fishing communities.
A Fishing Community Gets New Infrastructure
Kokota Chivatsi, Chairman of the the Kidongo Beach Management Unit (BMU), said the changes along the Coast show the importance of providing fishing communities with secure, well-developed facilities.
At Kidongo, the BMU has obtained a title deed for its landing site, opening the way for projects including cold storage, offices and a social hall.
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Such infrastructure addresses some of the problems fishermen have faced for years.
Kokota revealed that fishermen in the area previously travelled farther in search of fish, and catches could spoil before reaching buyers.
Some fishermen at Kidongo operated from landing sites where they lacked tenure.
“For us to expand the fishing sector, we need these other six landing sites to be gazetted and secured. This will enable us to implement more of the development projects that we need,” said Kokota.
Residents Benefit from Free Skills Training
Salim Amin Salim, Chairman of Old Town BMU, says skills are also driving the transformation of coastal fishing communities.
BMU leaders have received training in areas such as leadership, financial management, cooperation and administration in places including Kilifi and Ukunda.
Salim also explained their transition from canoes to motorised fibreglass boats fitted with engines, giving them the capacity to reach fishing grounds and operate efficiently.
Fishermen in the area have been encouraged to save so they can plan beyond fishing.
Salim has called on the government to support activities that can continue generating income when the sea is rough.
“I have personally been able to undergo various training programmes. We have travelled to Kilifi and Ukunda, where we spent considerable time being trained in leadership skills, financial management, how to exercise proper control, and how to cooperate,” said Salim.
More Opportunities Among Residents
Asman Ambeta, a resident of Shimoni and Wasini Island, works as a tour guide and turns to fishing during the low season.
He explained that the blue economy is creating a different outlook among young people.
Asman said residents have always depended on the ocean but have faced several challenges, including poor storage facilities and low prices.
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He said the arrival of the port has made the community feel more connected to national developmentand created employment opportunities.
Seaweed farming has become one of the activities in the ocean economy for women and young people because the crop can provide an additional income source without requiring them to depend on fishing alone.
Residents are turning seaweed into products such as soap and oil, creating value beyond selling raw materials.
In July 2025, a marine fish hatchery was opened at Shimoni to increase fish production and support aquaculture.
“Sea farming has created employment opportunities for young people and women, who have found jobs through seaweed farming,” he said.
Asman’s ambition is to see Shimoni become a stronger economic centre over the next five years. He says roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, infrastructure, and relevant skills will be essential if residents are to benefit fully from the ocean.
The emerging blue economy is expanding what it means to earn from the sea, including fishing, tourism, transport, aquaculture, seaweed farming, and the businesses that support them.
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