Catalysing Ocean Decade action: Kenya launches the National Blue Economy Strategy

Kenya has unveiled its National Blue Economy Strategy, marking a major step toward sustainable ocean management and strengthening the country’s contribution to the UN Ocean Decade.

Coastal and ocean waters surrounding African countries hold a wealth of resources, and coastal nations across the continent are demonstrating increasing commitment to their sustainable use and management. In February, the Government of Kenya, through the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries under the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, launched the National Blue Economy Strategy, consolidating the country’s position as a global leader in sustainable ocean management.

This significant milestone coincides with the second half of the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and aligns with the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap. Launched in 2022, the Roadmap guides the Decade in Africa through nine identified priority areas for the region.  The implementation of Kenya’s Blue Economy Strategy will strengthen Kenya’s contribution to advancing the goals of the Ocean Decade and promoting the sustainable use and governance of ocean resources.

Alignment with the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap

The Strategy is organized around nine thematic areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Ecosystems; Maritime Transport and Trade; Renewable Energy and Extractive Mineral Resources; Sustainable and Facilitative Blue Economy Tourism, Human Resource Capacity Development; Governance in the Blue Economy; Financing for Sustainable Blue Economy Development; Capacity Building and Innovation; Social Equity and Environmental Sustainability. The table below highlights the alignment between the Roadmap and Kenya’s Blue Economy Strategy.

Ocean science, partnerships and capacity development as pillars for sustainable ocean development

Speaking during the launch, Principal secretary for Blue Economy and Fisheries in Kenya, Betsy Njagi, underscored the importance of science and partnerships in guiding Kenya’s ocean agenda.

“Kenya recognizes that the future of our blue economy must be guided by science, innovation, and strong partnerships. The Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap provides an important framework that allows us to align our national priorities with regional and global efforts to sustainably manage ocean resources.”

She emphasized that collaboration with regional institutions enhances the scientific knowledge and capacity required for effective marine governance.

Mr. Hassan Ali Joho, Cabinet secretary, Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, reiterated on the  strategic importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable ocean development:

“The ocean presents immense opportunities for sustainable economic growth in Kenya and across Africa. Realizing this potential requires strong collaboration between governments, scientists, and international partners”.

He further noted that strengthening ocean science capacity will be critical in addressing emerging challenges, including climate change, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Simultaneously, capacity development, equitable and inclusive partnerships, and resource mobilization emerge as key pillars underpinning the enabling environment for Ocean Decade implementation in Africa.

IOCAFRICA’s role in advancing Kenya’s Blue Economy Strategy

The launch of Kenya’s Blue Economy Strategy demonstrates the country’s commitment to using science-based approaches to drive sustainable ocean development.

As the Ocean Decade progresses, collaboration between governments, scientific institutions, and regional organizations will remain essential for accelerating ocean science and sustainable ocean management across Africa and the adjacent island states.

Through continued partnership with the Government of Kenya and stakeholders across the region, the Sub-Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA) of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO  will continue to support the generation and application of ocean science to address pressing challenges and unlock the full potential of the blue economy. Together, these efforts contribute to a shared vision of a healthy, resilient, and productive ocean that supports sustainable development for Africa and the world.

Source : IOC of UNESCO