President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to harnessing the potential of the blue economy as a driver of sustainable food production and improved food security. Speaking in Japan during a session on sustainable food production at the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), Ruto underscored the central role of Africa’s maritime resources in transforming agricultural practices.
The President highlighted the untapped opportunities within the blue economy, noting that its strategic use could enhance value addition in agriculture while also addressing long-standing challenges such as post-harvest losses. He singled out fisheries as a sector where significant improvements could be realized through investment in modern infrastructure, including cold storage facilities and improved fish landing sites.
“By investing in sustainable practices, we can mitigate post-harvest losses and improve the livelihoods of our communities,” Ruto said. “The blue economy has the potential to transform our agricultural landscape and provide greater opportunities for our youth.”
Ruto stressed that ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources would not only strengthen food systems but also provide long-term economic benefits. He lauded Japan’s commitment to supporting youth engagement in agriculture, describing it as a critical step in attracting young people into a sector largely dominated by older generations. Through such initiatives, he noted, young Africans could be equipped with the tools and resources to drive innovation in both agriculture and marine enterprises.
Looking ahead, the President emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among African nations in knowledge sharing and capacity building. He pointed to the upcoming Ocean Conference, scheduled to take place in Nairobi in March next year, as a vital platform for regional cooperation on sustainable resource management.
“The blue economy meeting we are hosting in March next year in Nairobi is an opportunistic moment for us to share best practices and learn from one another, ensuring that our resources are harvested sustainably for generations to come,” he said.
Ruto’s remarks underscore Kenya’s growing emphasis on aligning food production strategies with environmental sustainability, positioning the blue economy as a cornerstone of Africa’s future growth.
