The closing event of the GIZ Go Blue Project, held in Mombasa, on November 28, 2023, marked the culmination of a transformative initiative to propel Kenya's coastal regions into a prosperous and sustainable future.
The project which is part of the Employment and Skills for Development in Africa program, has been instrumental in advancing the Blue Economy Agenda through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions in Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, Taita Taveta, and Tana River.
Over the past three years, the GIZ Go Blue Project has successfully integrated youth, women, and enterprises into the blue economy of the coastal region.
The focus on Skills Development and Matching (TVET), Aquaculture Value Chain Development, and MSME support has significantly enhanced business capacities, provided essential blue skills, and created numerous job opportunities.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, GIZ Country Director, Bodo Immink emphasized the power of localization in basic employability skills training, stating:
"Our approach is grounded in the power of localization. By identifying and tapping into local opportunities, we ensure that young people are equipped with the skills they need to thrive after training."
Alina Neacsu, from the Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, commended the commitment of the State Department of TVET in supporting the digitization of the TVET sector.
"We are engaging the State Department of TVET and we are proud of their commitment to supporting digitization of the TVET sector," Alina noted.
The event also featured testimonials from beneficiaries like Juliet Sidi, a Go Blue Vessel Repair Alumni, who shared her journey to becoming an accomplished technician.
"I stand here before you as a living testament to the transformative power of skills training and local opportunity. Through TVET, I have gained technical expertise and honed my employability skills, enabling me to contribute to the development of our county and beyond," Sidi emphasized.
2,674 youth and women completed Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) courses under the Go Blue initiative while 2,138 aquaculture enterprises including fish farmers were supported and provided with the necessary skills.
Emmanuel Kombe Nzai, CEO of Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP), expressed optimism about the future, stating;
"We are convinced that fostering the innovative potential of the six counties to establish a regional economic bloc is the most promising path forward."
The GIZ Go Blue Project Closing Event brought together donors, project partners, representatives from coastal counties, and public and private sector stakeholders.
The closing ceremony was not just a reflection on achievements but a call to sustain the momentum and continue investing in the potential of the blue economy for a prosperous and sustainable future.
