The Blue Economy presents an immense opportunity for Kenya to drive inclusive green growth and transformation as envisioned by the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. By leveraging its rich marine and freshwater resources, Kenya can empower coastal communities, improve livelihoods, and contribute to national economic growth. It is currently estimated that the blue economy contributes Ksh 20 billion to the economy annually and is expected to increase to over Ksh 80 billion in 5 years. The transformation will create thousands of jobs and stimulate regional economy through increased investment in various industries, enhanced export manufacturing and expanded overall economic activity.

In order to harness the potential of the blue economy, the Government has invested resources that have: facilitated completion or rehabilitation of 8 fish landing sites and markets equipped with cold chain storage facilities across the country; supported 12,668 small scale farmers with aquaculture inputs; and issued grants to 618 common interest groups across the coastal region for alternative livelihoods. To further boost the fishing industry, the Government is fast-tracking the completion of the Phase One of Liwatoni Fish Processing Plant and Shimoni Fish Port, Kenya’s first dedicated fish port, which is now 82 percent complete. Once complete, the Port will increase the handling capacity by 50,000 metric tons of fish annually, thereby promoting value addition for both domestic and export markets. The infrastructure development will enhance fish value chain with the by-products from the fish being stored at the landing sites used to feed light and small industries to spur economic growth at the grassroots.

To promote and enhance aquaculture and mariculture in the country, the Government has invested resources towards the development of the National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre (NAMARET) in Shimoni, Kwale County. The centre will serve as a catalyst for the growth of productive and profitable mariculture. It will function as a marine fish seed breeding and multiplication centre, facilitate research and innovation in mariculture, and offer training for fish farmers and students. To increase fish production and facilitate the transition of fisherfolk to deep-water and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) fishing, the Government has procured and distributed 123 fishing boats to local communities. Additionally, the Government plans to acquire deep-sea fishing vessels for offshore fishing, with a total budget of Ksh 600 million allocated for this purpose. To make the landing sites vibrant, the Government has embarked on forming cooperatives for Beach Management Units (BMUs) to ensure fishermen pool and sell their fish as one unit to fetch good price.