- The DP affirmed that they were ready to provide resources and requisite support to ensure the success of the blue economy.
- "We are determined to ensure that the Blue Economy contributes to the realisation of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda," he said.
Image: DPPS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reiterated the government's pledge to support key projects to boost the country's blue economy.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administration will work with the European Union and the coastal counties to unlock the sector's potential.
The DP affirmed that they were ready to provide resources and requisite support to ensure the success of the blue economy.
"We are determined to ensure that the Blue Economy contributes to the realisation of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda," he said.
He spoke on Wednesday at Muthu Nyali Beach Hotel in Mombasa when he presided over the launch of fishing boats.
The boats were acquired in partnership with the EU under the Go Blue Project.
The Go Blue project is a partnership between the government and the EU, which aims at enhancing the country's blue economy through the empowerment of local fishermen.
Gachagua welcomed the partnership with the EU and the coastal counties on the Go Blue project, saying it is bound to improve the nation's fortunes in the fishing sector.
"We don't take for granted the support the European Union and partners have accorded us in turning around the fortunes of our Blue Economy which is critical in our national development," he added.
On April 19, Gachagua launched similar projects in Mvita, Mombasa and Shimoni, Kwale.
They were both aimed at rejuvenating the sector which is a key area of focus for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He said he will continue to make development visits to the coastal region to make sure the projects are successful.
"This is the time to work and serve the people who elected us. The President and I have made a conscious decision to embrace devolution and work with the counties to ensure development in the region because we serve the same people," he said.
Gachagua commended the consultative engagements with the five governors under the Jumuiya ya Kaunti Za Pwani, for expressing readiness to work with the government.
"We have a good working relationship with all the governors in the coastal region which is responsible for the economic growth happening in the region," he said.
The DP also welcomed the development of an innovative security app, The Light Coastal App- Usalama Baharini – Kenya, by the Kenya Coast Guard Service in collaboration with Expertise France and CRIMARIO Project, saying it will ease the exchange of information and coordination at the regional level.
At the same time, Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Salim Mvurya said the Ministry is providing a conducive environment for the growth of the blue economy sector.
"As a Ministry, we have committed to provide support and create an enabling environment so this sector can succeed," he said.
"We will work with the European Union to fine-tune our national strategy on the blue economy."
EU ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said the potential of the country's blue economy is huge, promising to continue supporting projects to boost it.
"Kenya's blue economy has a great potential and its worth could grow four times if adequately supported and sustainable policies enacted," Geiger said.