Kenya is moving forward with its plans to harness its ocean resources and build a “blue economy” with the newly commissioned Mombasa Shipyard.

The shipyard, the largest in the region, is located at the Kenya Navy Base in Mtongwe. It’s there that President Uhuru Kenyatta was on hand to celebrate its launch.

“The direct, indirect and induced impacts of the Mombasa Shipyard will create many jobs, generate diverse investment opportunities and raise revenue for the country,” said Kenyatta.

He added that key subsectors of an ocean-driven economy, like maritime transport, fisheries, and shipbuilding, are all “low hanging fruits that must be exploited” as Kenya moves forward with its investments.

This project falls under the manufacturing pillar of Kenyatta’s “Big 4” development blueprint. Kenya hopes to double the sector’s share of GDP by 2022.

The Mombasa Shipyard will be able to handle both public and private shipping interests, while providing both specialized repair services and building new vessels. It is operated by Kenya Shipyards Limited, which has a similar facility on Lake Victoria.

Kenyatta has called for other agencies in his administration to provide training so that Kenya will have at least 4,000 people who are newly qualified in the maritime trades. He also wants regional leaders to boost their efforts in tourism and other ocean-related sectors.

“By so doing, it will be possible to unlock the enormous business potential that abounds within Kenya’s territorial waters and the coastal strip,” Kenyatta said.

Image: Kenya Shipyards Limited