Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the government will support significant projects to boost the country’s blue economy.
Gachagua said the government will work with the European Union (EU) and coastal counties to unlock the potential of the sector.
“We are determined to ensure that the Blue Economy contributes to the realization of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda,” he said in the coastal city of Mombasa when he presided over the launch of fishing boats acquired in partnership with the EU under the Go Blue Project.
According to a statement issued by his office, Gachagua said they were ready to provide resources and requisite support to ensure the success of the blue economy.
The Go Blue project is a partnership between the government and the EU and aims at enhancing the country’s blue economy through the empowerment of local fishermen.
He welcomed the partnership with the EU and the coastal counties on the Go Blue project, saying it was bound to improve the nation’s fortunes in the fishing sector.
“We don’t take for granted the support the European Union and partners have accorded us in turning around the fortunes of our Blue Economy which is critical in our national development,” he added.
According to government statistics, the sector already supports an estimated 2 million people directly and indirectly as fishers, traders, processors, input suppliers, merchants of fishing accessories, and providers of related services.
It plays an important role in job creation, income generation, nutrition, and food security.
EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said the potential of the country’s blue economy is huge, promising to continue supporting projects to boost it. “Kenya’s blue economy has a great potential and its worth could grow four times if adequately supported and sustainable policies enacted,” Geiger said.
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya said the Ministry is providing a conducive environment for the growth of the blue economy sector.
“As a ministry, we have committed to providing support and creating an enabling environment so this sector can succeed. We will work with the European Union to fine-tune our national strategy on the blue economy,” Mvurya said.
