President William Ruto has launched a Sh1.2 billion initiative aimed at revitalizing Kenya’s blue economy, focusing on deep sea fishing and aquaculture development. Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Blue Economy Conference in Homa Bay, Ruto emphasized the untapped potential of Kenya’s marine and inland water resources.
Despite having access to vast marine wealth, Ruto said Kenya has only begun to explore its economic possibilities. The blue economy currently contributes between Sh30 billion and Sh40 billion annually, but the President believes this figure could increase tenfold to Sh300–500 billion with strategic investments.
As part of the plan, the government will acquire between 15 and 20 deep-sea fishing vessels to help the country penetrate the global fisheries market and unlock coastal economic potential. “We want to play at the next level,” Ruto declared, underscoring the government’s ambition to elevate Kenya’s presence in international seafood trade.
Ruto also announced the commercialisation of the Liwatoni fish processing plant in Mombasa to enhance efficiency through private sector participation. Further support for the aquaculture sector includes expanded hatchery infrastructure, with a Sh1.3 billion project in Kisumu expected to produce up to 10,000 fingerlings quarterly. A similar hatchery is being established in Kwale.
In terms of infrastructure, the government has completed seven fish landing sites over the past three years, and plans are underway for 14 more five along the coast and nine around Lake Victoria. Homa Bay alone is set to receive three new landing sites supported by a Sh450 million investment.
The government is also scaling up aquaculture operations, with 54 fish cages already in use and 55 more being procured. These efforts are part of a wider strategy to boost sustainable fish production, create jobs, and uplift coastal and lakeside communities.
“We must build the blocks that will unlock the potential that exists in our blue economy,” Ruto said, urging swift implementation of these initiatives to deliver results within a year.
