Kenya is turning to its vast aquatic resources to drive economic transformation, create jobs, and promote social inclusion, according to Principal Secretary for the Blue Economy, Betsy Muthoni. Speaking during the Sema Na Spokes interview hosted by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura and aired on KBC Channel 1, the PS underscored the importance of the blue economy as a new frontier for national development.
Muthoni defined the blue economy as encompassing “any activity done within the blue space,” including sports fishing, eco-tourism, aquaculture, and marine transport. “We have communities empowered to do sports fishing and eco-tourism. The Blue Economy is the new frontier,” she emphasized.
Ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations set for June 1st at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County, the government is fast-tracking the development of policy frameworks and master plans for Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana. These plans aim to ensure long-term sustainability and equitable access to marine resources.
One of the notable developments is the Kabonyo Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, a Ksh.1.3 billion facility targeting the production of 7 million fingerlings per quarter to support aquaculture, cage culture, and the restocking of Lake Victoria. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of boosting cage aquaculture, which currently contributes approximately Ksh.8.7 billion to Kenya’s GDP. The overall blue economy sector brought in Ksh.37.4 billion in the last financial year.
To combat long-standing social injustices in the fisheries sector, such as the sexual exploitation of women, the government is supporting improved working conditions and implementing protection measures for women.
In addition to empowering coastal and lakeside communities, the government is deploying patrol boats and advanced monitoring systems to strengthen oversight and safeguard Kenya’s territorial waters. Moreover, plans are underway to integrate carbon touch systems for container terminal connectivity and to regulate artisanal miners through cooperatives and updated licensing to curb illegal mining practices.
With these strategic efforts, Kenya’s blue economy stands poised to become a vital pillar in the country’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
