PS Njagi: How we'll turn the tide to hit Sh300bn Blue Economy target

If realised, it would mark a nearly nine-fold increase from current earnings of approximately Sh40 billion.

In an exclusive interview with the Star, Blue Economy and Fisheries Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi outlined this ambitious vision.

She emphasised that President William Ruto’s administration is on track to deliver the blue economy promise.

The PS noted that fisheries and aquaculture currently contribute about 0.6-0.7 per cent of national GDP.

She said total fish production in 2024 reached 168,424 tonnes valued at Sh39.6 billion.

Njagi hailed the sector's critical role in employment and livelihoods, saying it currently supports roughly 69,900 capture fishers and over 65,452 fish farmers directly.

An estimated 1.2-1.5 million people are engaged across the value chain, the Fisheries PS said.

When upstream and downstream activities are included, approximately four million Kenyans depend on fisheries for their livelihoods.

The government has set targets to boost annual sector earnings to Sh350 billion by 2030.

She cited deep-sea fishing, mariculture, aquaculture, fish landing sites, cold-chain infrastructure and port modernisation as the way out.

Fish production is projected to increase from 168,000 tonnes to over 450,000 tonnes, with aquaculture serving as the main growth engine.

Njagi highlighted reforms, including community-based Beach Management Units and enforcement against illegal fishing.

She said operationalisation of the Kenya National Shipping Line and environmental initiatives such as mangrove restoration are also prioritised.

Kenya aims to position itself as a regional maritime hub, significantly elevating the blue economy's GDP contribution by 2030, the PS quipped.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

Q: The Blue Economy has been described as Kenya's next frontier. What does this mean for ordinary citizens, and how is the maritime sector contributing to the government's broader economic transformation agenda?

A: Referring to the Blue Economy as Kenya’s next frontier means it is a sector with huge untapped potential which, when sustainably harnessed, can transform the economy. This is through jobs, affordable seafood for food security, tourism revenue and resilient coastal infrastructure. This directly boosts household incomes under BETA and increases exports. The maritime sector is targeting between Sh150 billion and Sh300 billion annually through fisheries, aquaculture and shipping, supported by reforms such as fisheries regulations, green shipping and improved port efficiency.

Q: Kenya has long spoken about unlocking ocean-based wealth. What factors have slowed progress in the past, and how is your office addressing them?

A: Past slowdowns stemmed from policy gaps, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, port delays and low investment. We are accelerating progress through the 2023–27 Strategic Plan, the National Blue Economy Strategy (2025–30), and aquaculture expansion. Measures include vessel monitoring, regulatory streamlining and community patrols through Beach Management Units. We are also transforming 445 BMUs into cooperatives and supporting deep-sea fishing through the provision of vessels. The National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre provides the capability for the production of marine fish seed, training for the farmers and an innovation and demonstration farm for different research interventions for different marine species.

Q: How are Kenya's major ports performing in terms of efficiency and competitiveness?

A: Mombasa is handling rising cargo volumes with improved global rankings, while Lamu is expanding as a transhipment hub. Both ports are becoming more competitive through digital systems. Reforms such as KRA-KPA decongestion, dedicated container terminals and transparent cargo dwell times are reducing delays and attracting investors.

Q: Kenya has depended heavily on foreign shipping lines. Are there plans to strengthen local capacity?

A: Kenya now benefits from an operational national shipping line, which we are strengthening through fleet expansion, modern vessels and strategic routes to reduce reliance on foreign operators. We are supporting local ship owners through incentives, training and financing, alongside port reforms such as digital customs clearance. These measures are expected to cut the cost of doing business by 20-30 per cent and build maritime self-reliance.

Q: Coastal and inland fishing communities often feel excluded. How are you addressing this?

A: We are prioritising them through value chain programmes such as Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development and Aquaculture Business Development Programme. Others are restocking of Lake Naivasha and co-management models to ensure equitable benefits. IUU fishing is being tackled through surveillance technology, enforcement and alternative livelihoods. The Kenya Fisheries Service is working closely with BMUs to strengthen community stewardship.

Q: How many jobs has the Blue Economy generated, and what opportunities exist for youth and women?

A: The sector has generated thousands of jobs in aquaculture, sustainable fishing, blue carbon initiatives and tourism. Programmes such as the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund’s Investing in Women in the Blue Economy target 1,490 jobs for women. Youth can access opportunities through maritime training in shipping, logistics and sustainable technologies. We are also preparing to launch the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association to strengthen women’s participation in the sector.

Q: What measures are in place to address climate change and environmental threats?

A: We have rolled out nature-based solutions, including pollution response plans, plastic bans and climate-resilient aquaculture. These are complemented by marine protected areas, ecosystem restoration and green technologies. Initiatives such as mangrove conservation and coral reef restoration are helping protect biodiversity while supporting fisheries and eco-tourism.

Q: Is Kenya attracting investment into the Blue Economy, and what role do partnerships play?

A: Yes, we are attracting foreign direct investment through investor-friendly policies and public-private partnerships, particularly in ports, infrastructure and aquaculture. The fisheries sub-sector alone contributed Sh37 billion in 2025, demonstrating tangible progress. We are strengthening investor confidence through fish stock assessments, safety standards, regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development in key counties such as Homa Bay, Turkana, Kilifi, Lamu and Mombasa.

Q: How is Kenya strengthening maritime security and positioning itself as a regional hub?

A: Kenya remains a leader in regional anti-piracy efforts, with the navy and coast guard actively patrolling our waters. We are implementing governance reforms to improve coordination among maritime agencies, alongside regional cooperation frameworks such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct. These efforts enhance security, support trade and position Kenya as a maritime hub in East and Central Africa.

Q: What is your long-term vision for the sector?

A: The focus is on moving from rhetoric to reality by delivering tangible assets such as operational landing sites, sustainable exploitation of marine resources and a commercialised aquaculture and seaweed industry. Over the next five years, we aim to build a robust, investment-ready Blue Economy that significantly contributes to GDP. Plans such as the Sustainable Ocean Plan and Marine Spatial Plan will guide growth, reduce conflicts and ensure conservation.

Q: What progress has been made in ensuring jobs on vessels for Kenyans?

A: So far, 72 fishers trained as ship crew have been employed and regulations now require that at least 45 per cent of crew on locally registered vessels be Kenyan.

Q: How has the department mitigated losses from illegal fishing?

A: We have enhanced surveillance and enforcement through partnerships with global monitoring platforms, vessel tracking systems and automatic identification systems. All vessels entering Kenya’s Exclusive Economic Zone are now subject to monitoring, significantly reducing illegal fishing activities.