Nairobi, Feb 27 (Swara) – Kenya on Thursday officially launched its National Blue Economy Strategy 2025–2030, setting out an ambitious plan to transform aquatic resources into a central pillar of economic growth over the next five years.
The framework, unveiled on February 26 by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, outlines sweeping reforms and investment targets aimed at expanding fisheries, maritime trade and ocean-based industries.
“Kenya has chosen to treat the blue economy not as a slogan but as a pillar of our development strategy,” said Hassan Joho, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, at the launch of the Strategy.
Revenue and production targets
Under the strategy, the government aims to increase annual earnings from the blue economy from about 40 billion Kenyan shillings to 350 billion by 2030.
Fish production is projected to nearly triple from the current 163,000 metric tons to more than 450,000 metric tons within five years, driven by expanded aquaculture, deep-sea fishing and improved value chains.
Officials said the strategy aligns the sector with Kenya’s long-term development blueprint, Kenya Vision 2030, as well as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), positioning the blue economy as a core economic driver rather than a peripheral industry.
Infrastructure investments
To support the expansion, the government has accelerated infrastructure development along the coast and inland waters.
The KSh 2.7 billion Shimoni Fish Port is under development, alongside the Liwatoni Fishing Port in Mombasa. The facilities are expected to enable up to 24 vessels to engage in deep-sea fishing.
Five coastal fish landing sites valued at KSh 1 billion are being constructed in Kwale County, Mombasa County, Kilifi County, Tana River County and Lamu County. In western Kenya, nine additional landing sites, valued at KSh 1.5 billion, are being developed around Lake Victoria.
The government said more than KSh 3.2 billion has already been disbursed to fisherfolk through Beach Management Units (BMUs) to boost local production and improve livelihoods.
Global spotlight
Kenya also confirmed it will host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa from June 16 to 18, 2026. The global summit is expected to focus on accelerating international action for sustainable ocean management and strengthening partnerships in the blue economy.
Policy and workforce reforms
The strategy adopts a multi-sectoral approach, emphasising sustainable resource use, technology-driven extraction and pilot projects in blue carbon to attract climate finance.
It also prioritises workforce development, including expansion of training at the Bandari Maritime Academy and partnerships with global shipping lines to create employment opportunities for young people.
Several governance instruments are under review, including a Marine Spatial Plan, a new Aquaculture Policy and a Tuna Management Strategy, aimed at strengthening oversight and ensuring sustainable exploitation of marine and inland water resources.
Officials said the success of the strategy will depend on coordinated implementation, private-sector participation, and strengthened regulatory frameworks to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
