Players Call for Blue Economy Funding to Secure Kenya’s Coastal Future

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

As Kenya positions itself as a continental leader in ocean conservation and sustainable blue economy development, key stakeholders have called for a well-structured financing mechanism to drive investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in the country’s coastal regions.

Speaking during the Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit 2025 in Mombasa County, top government officials, development partners, innovators, and entrepreneurs emphasized the urgent need for funding to unlock the untapped economic potential of Kenya’s maritime resources.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, European Union ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger, and Sote Hub executive director John Ogiga led the voices urging for increased investment in blue economy ranging from marine conservation and fisheries to technology-driven ocean solutions.

“Kenya is uniquely positioned with a 600-kilometre coastline and vast marine resources, yet we have barely scratched the surface in realizing the socio-economic potential of the blue economy, said Governor Nassir.

“We need targeted funding and long-term partnerships that empower communities and promote sustainable practices.”

Ambassador Geiger, representing the EU, delivered a keynote address, challenging Kenya to embrace its maritime identity and take full advantage of the ocean’s economic possibilities.

“Kenya has many opportunities in the blue economy but it doesn’t see them. Kenya has turned her back on the sea,The fish market and marine sector offer immense potential—not only in Kenya but across the globe.” she said.

According to her the EU’s commitment of Ksh3.79 billion (€25 million) invested under the ‘Go Blue’ programme since 2021 has already supported 600 entrepreneurs and created more than 3,000 jobs in six coastal counties.

“We are ready to continue supporting innovation in Kenya’s sustainable blue economy sector.

But we call on Kenya’s coastal counties to take initiative and be proactive in turning the tide both economically and environmentally.”

One of the summit’s key highlights was a presentation by Sote Hub, a local innovation and entrepreneurship support organization that has emerged as a leading champion of the blue economy.

According to Sote Hub Co-Founder Ogiga the organization successfully collected 6,700 tonnes of plastic waste in the past year alone a community-driven initiative that not only helped reduce marine pollution but also created nearly 1,000 green jobs for youth and women in coastal communities.

“We have shown what is possible when communities are empowered and supported. But the biggest challenge remains the lack of adequate and sustained funding to scale up our efforts,” he said.

The co-founder revealed that the 2024 milestones of the Blue Economy Innovation & Investment Summit saw over Ksh554,700,000 (US$4.3 million) mobilised in new partnerships, helping grow a network of innovators and environmental entrepreneurs.

“This summit is more than just a conference it is a platform for transformation. We call on all players, from government to donors and private investors, to join us in protecting our oceans while creating livelihoods.”

He also linked the summit’s goals to the United Nations Ocean Decade and the global 30×30 initiative, which aims to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030.

The founder urged regional leaders to embrace conservation-led development as the pathway to long-term sustainability.

“We must protect our oceans not just for their beauty, but for the livelihoods they support. The 30×30 goal is not a luxury it is a necessity.”

With the theme “Powering Africa’s Blue Growth,” this year’s summit drew over 600 participants, including ambassadors, policymakers, investors, innovators, researchers, and representatives from county governments.

Countries such as Tanzania and Japan were also represented, bringing global perspectives to the table and showcasing international best practices in marine conservation, sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and blue tech.

The summit featured pitch sessions by blue economy start-ups, with young innovators presenting ideas on topics such as ocean plastic recycling, sustainable fisheries, seaweed farming, maritime logistics, and green shipping technologies.

“This summit brought together leaders, investors, and young change makers to reimagine how Africa’s oceans, lakes, and rivers can drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” Ogiga said.

Several speakers at the opening session stressed the need for cross-border collaboration, innovative financing models, and knowledge-sharing platforms to fully harness the potential of the blue economy in Africa.

“The time is now for Kenya and the region to act. The ocean can be our next economic frontier if we invest in it wisely,” one of the speakers said.

As the third edition of the Blue Economy Innovation & Investment Summit continues over the next two days, the message from stakeholders remains clear: sustained investment, innovation, and collaboration are key to unlocking Kenya’s blue economy and ensuring a cleaner, greener, and more resilient coastal future.

With climate change, marine pollution, and overfishing posing growing threats, participants say the summit is a timely wake-up call—and a rallying point for action.

“If we are to protect our coastlines and secure livelihoods for future generations, we must put our money where our mouth is,” concluded Ogiga.