By Alloys Musyoka
Shimoni port has for the first time received a cruise ship after its commissioning this year, a major boost to the Tourism sector in the South Coast region..
The SH DIANA ship from Seychelles docked at Shimoni port aboard 120 passengers and 129 crew.
The Head of Corporate Communications for the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)Jones Buchere, said that the cruise ship was calling at the coast region for the third time.
“She was here in 2023 and 2024. We have started to see the fruits of Shimoni port completion as the first ship docked here. We appreciate the collaboration between the county government of Kwale,Kenya tourism board, Kenya wildlife services and the national government among other partner government agencies,” he said in Shimoni.
The visitors will be touring Kisite Mpunguti marine park and reserve, Wasini Island boardwalk and other scenic and historic sites according to Kwale governor Fatuma Achani who received the maiden cruise ship.
The cruise ship captain Jaanys Hannis said that the area is good for tourists who will be going for excursions as they head to other areas.
“Kwale governor Fatuma Achani said that the docking of the cruise ship in Shimoni is critical to improving the economy of the area as tourists will be able to visit various attraction centers.
She said that it is a milestone to the tourism sector with the Shimoni port positioning itself in a way that will place Kwale county in the global arena in tourism.
She appreciated president William Ruto for ensuring that the Shimoni Fish Port is complete to enhance Marine and Blue Economy logistics in Kwale County.
“This is a clear sign that Kwale is positioning itself as a top coastal tourism destination. We welcome our visitors and encourage continued collaboration with partners to promote sustainable blue economy initiatives,” said Achani.
LungaLunga MP Chiforomodo Mangale said that the calling of a cruise ship is a big milestone to the economy of the area.
He called on residents in the area to take advantage of the Shimoni fishing [port and get trained on marine matters for their own benefit.
Master Hannes expressed gratitude for the warm reception and took the Governor and other dignitaries on a guided tour of the ship, highlighting its facilities and journey itinerary.
“We are extremely happy to be here. This was very unexpected on the last minute decision to come over here but nevertheless we made research for interesting areas we could go to and Kisite Mpunguti National Park was one of the places we got interested in and exactly what we want to offer to our guests. One of our motto is to see what others don’t,” he added.
Nisomar Limited cruise ship agent John Marambi said that the area is good after commissioning adding that they are optimistic the Kenya Ports Authority will improve more to ensure more ships docks in the area.
Elena Kseia from Moscow visiting Kenya for the first time said that the area is good for tourists saying that they are enjoying the visit.
‘We are very excited to visit this place and see people welcoming us, this is a very nice place,” she said.
Doctor Michael Frey from Canada visiting the country for the first time also appreciated the ship agent and management for docking at Shomini saying they will be able to see more exciting areas.
“Very impressed by the friendliness of the people and looking forward to seeing more of Kenya. We are going to the island for snorkeling and a women ‘s boardwalk,” he said.
For Ksenia Smirnoua from Russia it is her third time to visit Kenya after being in Lamu and Mombasa with expectation to enjoy more tourist’s attraction center especially swimming with dolphins and snorkeling at Kisite Mpunguti national marine park at Shimoni in Kwale.
