Construction of an ultra-modern cruise ship terminal at Mombasa port is expected to kick off at Kilindini’s Shed Number One by October this year, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala says.
Balala said the project, which will be carried out in a tripartite partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Trademark East Africa, is estimated to be ready by the year end.
“Teams are on the ground to give us timelines… we estimate that by October, we will break ground here at the port,” said the CS during a press briefing after a closed-door meeting with KPA and Trademark East Africa officials.
The terminal will handle droves of visitors arriving aboard cruise ships and will be designed with a touch that meets and befits the needs of the modern day traveller. “The terminal will have cafeterias for passengers’ refreshments and entertainment spots, among other key amenities required for modern passenger stopovers,” Balala said.
He said KPA and Trademark East Africa have pledged to support the project with Sh200 million on a fifty-fifty basis. The private sector will operate some of its phases as one measure to sustain the campaign of cruise ships.
Between 2010 and 2011, a record of close 40,000 tourists arrived through Mombasa, the CS noted, adding that arrival of cruise ships will boost the local economy. “The tourists will go for safaris, excursions, shopping and also spend in our local hotels and restaurants,” he said.
Source: Media Max

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