Mtongwe shipyard a game changer for Kenya’s growing marine sector 

Modern shipyard at the Mtongwe Navy base

President Uhuru Kenyatta tours the modern shipyard at the Mtongwe Navy base in Mombasa after commissioning it on December 17, 2021.

Photo credit: PSCU

What you need to know:

  • The shipyard is a critical infrastructure supporting the country’s shipping and security needs.
  • The shipyard will also open up the region to new investments in key sub-sectors such as fisheries.

When President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the Mombasa Shipyard in December last year, Kenya entered the league of ship-building nations. The new shipyard has the capacity to handle 4,000-tonne vessels and will offer employment to more than 10,000 Kenyans.

Describing it as the “bedrock of the Blue Economy”, the President underlined its significance to Kenya’s maritime sector, currently valued at more than Sh400 billion, roughly four per cent of GDP. It is also a major boost for Vision 2030 and its impact will be felt in five major ways. 

First is the massive economic impact, including creation of thousands of jobs.

Second, the new shipyard will integrate into sea mining and fishing activities; including construction of offshore infrastructure and aquaculture facilities.

Third, the shipyard is a critical infrastructure supporting the country’s shipping and security needs. For example, Kenya Navy vessels are currently re-fitted in places like Spain and the Netherlands. But with the new facility, the country will save an estimated Sh6.8 billion that is spent on servicing marine equipment overseas.

Legacy project

Since it is based at the Kenya Navy Base at Mtongwe, the shipyard will serve as a crucial naval function, besides potentially supporting future ocean-based science research. 

Fourth, the multi-agency approach behind the shipyard involving Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Railways and National Youth Service, is a classic example of how various State agencies can work seamlessly in delivering critical national infrastructure in a timely, cost-effective and transparent manner.

Fifth, the shipyard will open up the region to new investments in key sub-sectors such as fisheries.

Private shipyards charge millions of shillings for repair of vessels. The state facility help lower the cost of maintenance and draw more local entrepreneurs into the fisheries industry.

Its long-term economic impact will be felt for many years to come as a legacy project of President Kenyatta. 

Mr Murumba is the CEO, Impulso Kenya Limited. Email: [email protected]