The government has launched the construction of a Sh350 million cruise ship terminal at the port of Mombasa.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the terminal is expected to be in operation by July next year.

Balala said Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) had contributed Sh250 million while Trademark East Africa has given a grant of Sh100 million towards the renovation of the ports old terminal. Balala, who was speaking during the launch of the development of the cruise ship terminal aon Friday, said Kenya had been recognised as Africa’s leading cruise port by the World Travel Awards 2016, and the construction of the terminal will allow for an increased volume of cruise ships and tourists in the country.

“By carrying out major renovations and rehabilitating the first jetty, it will turn the Mombasa port into a main tourist destination in East and Central Africa,thereby increasing the numbers of holidaymakers visiting the country,”he said. Balala instructed Kenya Tourism Board to waive landing fees for all charter airlines,and further ordered the board to reduce park fees from $90 (Sh9,000) to $60 (Sh6,000).

“We have waived landing fees for all charter airlines terminating their journeys at Moi International Airport Mombasa and Malindi for the next two years. Similarly, we have scrapped visa fees for children under the age of 16 years,” he said.            — Sophie Njoka

Source: Media Max

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