Uhuru directs KRA to allow 24-hour operations at Shimoni port

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday directed the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to allow Shimoni port in Kwale County to operate 24 hours.

“We want this to be a major fishing port apart from just bringing in goods,” he said.

Locals had complained that they were unable to effectively trade on the Kenya-Tanzania border due to time constraints. Shimoni port is the major link between the area and parts of northern Tanzania, including the islands of Pemba and Zanzibar.

However, the port is said to be a major entry point for contraband and the KRA has been strengthening surveillance at the facility.

The President said design work for expansion of Shimoni port was on. He spoke during his election campaign in Kwale along with his Deputy William Ruto and also asked residents of Lunga Lunga to support and vote for Jubilee in the August 8 elections.

“This time we should walk together to end poverty and create jobs for the youth,” he said.

He said his administration has built roads, increased electricity connectivity and water supply and also issued land title deeds to locals. The President said more than 40,000 title deeds had been issued to residents in the county.

He said the Jubilee government was keen on implementing free secondary education from January next year.

“The work of parents now is to deliver and take care of the child,” he said.

Mr Ruto said Jubilee had done many roads in Kwale than any other regime. Kwale governor Salim Mvurya said the port would boost local economy.