The Mining and Blue economy cabinet secretary Salim Mvurya has announced that phase one of the 1.49 billion Liwatoni fisheries complex will be completed by December.

Speaking in Mombasa during a tour at the facility accompanied by ministry officials, Mvurya said the government is steadfast to promote the blue economy sector in the country.

“This project is designed in a manner that will handle industrial fisheries products. It will provide an entire ecosystem for value addition, it’s a project that has been designed for two phases and phase one will cost sh 1.4 billion shillings, and phase two will be done in partnership with the private sector,” said Mvury.

The complex has previously faced delays in completion but according to Mvurya the delays in the project’s completion timeline were attributed to payment delays faced by contractors undertaking the multi-million project.

“This is a very important project in the blue economy sector because Most of thE fishermen doing fishing in the Indian ocean are artisanal fishermen, and I am happy that 50 percent of the work has been done,” said Mvurya.

Mvurya said once complete it will give direct jobs to about 3000 Kenyans after private fishing companies have shown interest to partner with the government to undertake the fishing.

"This phase we have given the contractor a deadline we expect by the end of December phase one should have completed, “said mvurya adding that some private entities have shown interest in fishing deep into the sea thus creating job opportunities.

Mvurya ruled out that the project had been marred by corruption. Underlining the strategic importance of the Liwatoni Fish Landing project, CS Mvurya emphasized its role in facilitating industrial fishing activities.

Other fish landing sites underway include the Shimoni fish landing site, adding that about 1,000 tons of Tuna fish will be able to be stored by the facility at a go.

He added that more direct jobs are underway.