Coastal communities across Kenya are set to benefit from renewed government attention to maritime resources as efforts intensify to unlock the potential of the ocean economy, a sector long viewed as underutilised despite its vast promise.
Authorities say new interventions are being rolled out to strengthen fishing infrastructure. President William Ruto has announced that the government will channel more than Sh10 billion into a wide range of blue economy projects along the Coast, marking one of the most ambitious interventions in the fisheries sector in recent years.
Government officials say the initiative aligns with the broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritises sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and small-scale enterprises as key drivers of growth.
It is also expected to enhance regional trade opportunities with neighbouring coastal and island markets by improving cold chain systems and reducing losses after harvest.
The funding is expected to support construction and rehabilitation of fish landing sites, expansion of cold storage facilities, provision of modern fishing gear, and development of aquaculture projects aimed at increasing production and reducing post-harvest losses in coastal counties.
These projects will also include upgrading fish markets, introducing training programs for fisherfolk, and supporting cooperatives to improve bargaining power in local and international markets.
Authorities further indicated that special attention will be given to sustainable fishing practices to protect marine ecosystems from overexploitation.
Officials say the investments are designed to create employment opportunities for youth and women engaged in fishing activities, while also strengthening coastal economies that rely heavily on marine resources.
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Improved infrastructure is also expected to enhance market access for fish products, boost exports, and attract private sector participation in the blue economy value chain.
They noted that improved infrastructure would help reduce post-harvest wastage, which has been a major challenge affecting incomes of small-scale fishers along the Coast.
Private investors are also being encouraged to participate in fish processing, packaging, and export-oriented ventures to increase value addition within the sector.
Stakeholders in the region have welcomed the move, saying it could transform livelihoods if effectively implemented and sustained. They have, however, urged transparency and timely rollout of projects to ensure communities begin to feel the impact on the ground without delay.
Community leaders further emphasized the need for continuous engagement between national and county governments to ensure the success of the projects.
They also called for monitoring mechanisms that would guarantee accountability and prevent delays in project implementation across coastal counties.
Officials say implementation timelines will be closely monitored to ensure the Coast region begins to realise tangible benefits within the shortest time possible.
Development partners have also expressed strong support for the initiative.
Coastal counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Tana River are expected to be primary beneficiaries as rollout of the blue economy projects gains momentum nationwide soon underway.
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