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Kwale County’s newly completed Shimoni Port has marked a major milestone after receiving its first-ever luxury cruise liner last week.
The vessel, SH Diana, arrived with 249 international tourists on board and was warmly received by port authorities, county officials, and tourism stakeholders.
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During their visit, passengers explored popular attractions in Kwale, including Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, Wasini Island, and several historical coastal sites. The county’s pristine beaches—voted Africa’s Best by the World Travel Awards for five years in a row—were also a highlight.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Acting Corporate Communication Manager Dave Jones Buchere, speaking on behalf of Managing Director Captain William Ruto, said the successful docking demonstrated the government’s growing investment in cruise tourism, one of Kenya’s most promising tourism sectors.
“The arrival of SH Diana reinforces Shimoni Port’s role as a new gateway for cruise tourism, bringing economic growth, jobs, and opportunities for local communities,” Buchere said.
The SH Diana, which also makes regular calls at Mombasa and Lamu ports, was received at a colorful ceremony attended by Kwale Governor Fatma Achani, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) representatives, and other key tourism partners.
