President Ruto Delivers Promises for the Coast Region at Mashujaa Day.
During Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale, President William Ruto announced significant initiatives aimed at transforming the Coast region, beginning with a mass resettlement of thousands of landless families. The government has allocated KSh 1.5 billion to purchase land from absentee landlords, fulfilling one of Ruto’s key campaign promises to settle squatters in the area. This resettlement plan is among several development projects intended to benefit Coast residents, including opportunities in the blue economy sector.
Ruto emphasized the importance of addressing the longstanding land issues in the Coast region. He noted that many families have struggled without land for years. To solve this, the government will purchase large tracts of land from absentee landlords across the six counties in the region. Coast governors are tasked with coordinating efforts to ensure that the resettlement program benefits the thousands of squatters eagerly awaiting a resolution.
“We are investing KSh 1.5 billion in land acquisition to settle squatters in the Coast,” Ruto declared, signaling the government’s commitment to this initiative. He was accompanied by prominent leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
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In addition to land resettlement, President Ruto unveiled substantial plans to bolster the blue economy, recognizing the untapped potential of the Indian Ocean coastline. As a result, the government has earmarked KSh 2.7 billion for the development of fish landing sites, markets, and cold storage facilities, with KSh 1.2 billion dedicated solely to the Coast region. This investment will support local fishermen and strengthen the region’s fishing industry.
To further enhance fish production, Ruto announced the distribution of 123 fishing boats to coastal communities. The government also plans to acquire deep-sea fishing vessels for offshore fishing, with a KSh 600 million budget set aside for this purpose. “The blue economy currently contributes KSh 20 billion to our economy annually, and we expect this figure to rise to over KSh 80 billion in the next five years,” Ruto noted, underscoring the potential of the sector.
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With the construction of Shimoni Port, Kenya’s first dedicated fish port, nearing completion at 82%, the Coast region is on the brink of an economic transformation. The port will handle 50,000 metric tonnes of fish annually, promoting both local and export markets. Additionally, the government is injecting KSh 1.7 billion into grants for 612 fishing cooperatives and groups, which will help boost the region’s economy by creating jobs and enhancing value addition in the fishing industry.
Furthermore, the president announced a KSh 2.4 billion investment in aquaculture and mariculture, with KSh 1.4 billion specifically allocated for the Coast region. A National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre (NAMARET) will be established at Shimoni in Kwale County, supporting research, innovation, and fish farming. “This center will drive the growth of profitable mariculture, providing fish seed breeding, research, and training for both fish farmers and students,” Ruto stated.
President Ruto’s Mashujaa Day announcements mark a turning point for the Coast region. From land resettlement to investing in the blue economy and mariculture, these initiatives aim to uplift thousands of residents while creating jobs and boosting local industries. As these projects unfold, the region stands to benefit greatly from increased economic activity and improved livelihoods.
President Ruto Delivers Promises for the Coast Region at Mashujaa Day.
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