(KWALE, KENYA) – Residents of Shimoni have called for transparency and preferential access to employment opportunities as the KES2.6 billion ($18.0 million / £14.2 million / €16.8 million) Shimoni Fish Port prepares to begin operations.
The residents say the project has raised hopes of improved livelihoods and economic opportunities but want the government to ensure that the local community benefits directly from the investment. They are particularly concerned about employment and the future of small scale fishing and tourism, as well as commitments allegedly made to the community before construction began.
Fadhili Ali Abdalla, a resident who participated in discussions on the project, said residents were informed that 75% of lower level jobs would be reserved for locals, while 25% would go to people with specialised qualifications.
Abdalla said the agreement was that 75% of the jobs would go to residents in Shimoni, while 25% would be for those with higher qualifications. He said locals secured only a limited number of casual jobs during construction and urged authorities to prioritise residents when the facility becomes operational.
Another resident, Mohamed Shebwana Ali, said the community was yet to understand how it would directly benefit from the facility. He said the community has not benefited from anything and does not even know what is going on. He added that the port has been built well, but residents still do not know whether it is for fish or what exactly it is meant for.
Ali appealed to President William Ruto to ensure residents are considered for available opportunities, particularly jobs that do not require specialised qualifications.
Ibrahim Omar Mohamed said unemployment remained a major challenge among young people in the area. He said the youth in Shimoni can do the work even if they did not go far in school.
Mohamed, who is engaged in tourism, said the community was also concerned about the potential impact of increased fishing activity on marine tourism. He said oil pollution from fishing vessels could affect dolphins and other marine attractions that support tourism in Shimoni and neighbouring Wasini. He added that if fishing vessels come in and there are oil leaks, the dolphins may move away, which would affect those who depend on tourism.
Abed Omar Mohamed, a senior captain with about 25 years’ experience in the area, said local knowledge should be considered when employment opportunities arise. He said residents understand the area very well, including the waters from Shimoni to Pemba, Zanzibar, and further towards Dar es Salaam, as well as the fishing grounds and the reefs.
The fish port is expected to support activities across the fisheries value chain, including fish handling, processing, storage, and value addition. Residents, however, want clarity on how they will participate in the emerging opportunities and how the facility will affect small scale fishing, which remains an important source of livelihood in Shimoni, Wasini, Mkwiro, and surrounding areas.
Mohamed said fishermen who might be affected by restrictions around the facility should be considered for compensation or alternative livelihood support. He said that if fishing is restricted because of the port, then local fishermen should be considered for compensation.
The residents also want greater community participation in discussions on government projects affecting the area. Abdalla proposed that village elders, youth, and women representatives be given an opportunity to present their concerns directly to senior government officials during visits to Shimoni.
He said the community is not fighting its leaders but wants to help them, adding that when the President comes, residents should be given an opportunity to speak for themselves.
Despite the concerns, residents welcomed the investment and expressed hope that the fish port would create jobs, strengthen the fisheries value chain, and improve livelihoods. They said the success of the KES2.6 billion ($18.0 million / £14.2 million / €16.8 million) facility should ultimately be measured by the extent to which it creates tangible opportunities for the local community.