KILIFI

• KEKLF
• Latitude: -3.63626
• Longitude: 39.8467
• East Africa
• Port in Kenya

Location: Kenya

Kilifi is a coastal town in Kenya situated between Mombasa and Malindi. The town is located on the Kilifi Creek, which is an estuary that provides a natural harbor. While Kilifi is not as prominent as some of the major ports like Mombasa, it still holds significance, especially for local and regional maritime activities. Below is a description and specification of the Kilifi marine port:

General Description:

• Location: Kilifi County, along the Kenyan coast, approximately 56 kilometers north of Mombasa.
• Coordinates: Approximately 3.6257° S latitude and 39.8517° E longitude.
• Waterway Access: Accessed through the Kilifi Creek, which is a tidal water body that connects to the Indian Ocean.

Port Specifications:

1. Harbor Type:

   • Natural Harbor: Kilifi Creek provides a sheltered environment suitable for maritime activities.

2. Facilities:

   • Jetty/Piers: There are small jetties and piers that facilitate the docking of smaller vessels such as fishing boats and local dhows.
   • Marina Facilities: The Kilifi Boatyard and a yacht club offer mooring and maintenance facilities for recreational vessels.

3. Depth:

   • Channel Depth: The entrance to Kilifi Creek has varying depths; dredging is sometimes required to maintain accessibility for boats. The depth is generally shallow compared to larger ports.
   • Berth/Station Depth: Suitable for small and medium-sized boats; typically not suitable for deep-draft vessels.

4. Port Infrastructure:

   • Storage: Limited warehousing and storage facilities suitable for local trade.
   • Cargo Handling: Primarily manual or small-scale mechanized handling; the port activities are generally focused on local and regional supply chains.
   • Fishing Facilities: Significant portion of the port's activities is related to the fishing industry.

5. Navigation Aids:

   • Lighthouses/Beacons: There are navigational aids like lighthouses and buoys to assist in safe entry and exit from the harbor.

6. Services:

   • Marine Services: Basic services such as fueling, repairs, and supplies for local fishermen and leisure boating community.
   • Customs and Immigration: Minimal presence; usually handled for smaller-scale and local activities.

7. Environmental and Security:

   • Environmental Regulations: Subject to Kenyan maritime and environmental regulations to protect the marine ecosystem, particularly in Kilifi Creek.
   • Security: Localized port security measures are in place, but not as extensive as in larger ports like Mombasa.

Economic and Regional Importance:

• Fishing: Kilifi is a hub for local fishing activities and supports the livelihood of many local communities.
• Tourism: Boasting beautiful beaches and a thriving yacht community, Kilifi attracts tourists and recreational sailors.
• Small-Scale Trade: Plays a role in the regional supply chain, particularly for goods moving between Mombasa and Malindi.

Development and Challenges:

• Development: Kilifi has potential for development, especially in the tourism and recreational boating sectors.
• Challenges: Limited depth, infrastructure, and facilities restrict its capability to handle larger vessels and high cargo volumes.

In summary, Kilifi port is a smaller, more localized maritime facility compared to Kenya's primary ports. It serves the local community, facilitates regional trade, and is a crucial venue for the fishing and tourism industries.