Tourists disembark from cruise vessel SH Diana at Shimoni Port in Kwale County on Sunday. Photo/John Chesoli
The newly completed Shimoni Port in
Kwale County is fast positioning itself as Kenya’s latest gateway for the
cruise ship business along the Coast.
Just three months after its
completion, the Sh2.6 billion facility on Sunday received its largest vessel
yet, the luxury passenger cruise ship SH Diana.
Originally designed to handle
fishing vessels, the port has started drawing interest from government and
tourism partners who say it could soon attract major international cruise
liners.
Overlooking the scenic Wasini and
Kisite Mpunguti islands and located next to the historic Shimoni Caves, the
port offers a rare blend of marine commerce and tourism potential.
For decades, Mombasa and Lamu have dominated Kenya’s cruise tourism scene, but Shimoni now appears poised to join their ranks. The port features a 135-metre-long jetty, 30 metres wide and 75 metres deep.
Built over 32 months, it was officially handed over to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on July 16. On Sunday, SH Diana, one of the newest cruise vessels launched in May 2023 and operated by Swan Hellenic Company, docked at the port.
The ship measures 125 metres in length, 23 metres in beam and has a gross tonnage of 12,100. It accommodates up to 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites, served by a crew of about 140. This marks the vessel’s third visit to Kenya.
On this Shimoni trip, SH Diana carried 249 people, including 120 passengers and 129 crew members.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani described the ship’s arrival as proof that the new port is already bearing fruit.
“The arrival of this ship shows that the Kwale region has started reaping the benefits of the Shimoni Port. This proves Kwale is ready to welcome more visitors,” she said.
She expressed optimism that more cruise liners would include Shimoni in their itineraries.
“Kwale has so much to offer; the Kisite and Wasini Islands, the Shimba Hills National Reserve and our white sandy beaches have been voted among the best in the world,” Achani said.
Shipping agent John Marami said although the ship’s stay was brief, the visit carried great significance for local tourism.
“We are hopeful the tourists will enjoy their short stay here and that this will open more opportunities for the region,” he said.
The Ship’s captain Jaanus Hannes said Shimoni is not part of the ship’s original itinerary but was added after research identified it as a unique destination.
“It is an exciting morning. We are hopeful our guests will enjoy their experience in Shimoni,” he said.
At least 106 passengers took excursions to the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Wasini Island during the stopover.
Lunga Lunga MP Mangale Chiforomodo said the port is already proving its value to the local economy.
“Even a few hours of this vessel’s stay will have an economic impact. We want to assure our guests that they will enjoy what Shimoni and Lunga Lunga have to offer,” he said.
KPA corporate communications manager Dave Buchere described the docking of SH Diana as a milestone for Shimoni Port.
“We are delighted to receive this vessel and look forward to welcoming more ships before the end of the year,” he said.
Russian tourist Ksenia Smirnova expressed excitement about visiting Kenya.
“It is my first time in Kenya, and I’m very pleased by the warm reception. I’m happy we are the first cruise ship to dock here in Shimoni,” she said.
