Prof Abdulrazak Calls for Youth-Driven Innovation to Power Kenya’s Coastal Transformation Come2055
State Department for Science, Research and Innovation principal secretary Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak addressing Youths at Swahili Port Mombasa. 9Photo/ Courtesy)
By The COAST Team
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
State Department for Science, Research and Innovation principal secretary Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak has urged young innovators from the Coast to lead the nation’s transformation into a first-world, science-driven economy by 2055.
Speaking during the opening of Pwani Innovation Week 2025 at the Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa, the professor said the government was committed to turning innovation into the “engine of Kenya’s 21st-century economy.”
“Kenya will become a first-world nation by 2055 industrial, digital, green, and globally competitive.To achieve this, science, research, innovation, and youth must lead the transformation.”
The PS emphasized that the coastal region holds a central role in Kenya’s economic future, particularly through the Blue Economy, which he described as-‘a practical pathway for millions of jobs.’
He outlined key opportunities for the Coast, including sustainable aquaculture, marine logistics, ocean-based renewable energy, circular economy solutions, and creative economy exports.
“Pwani cannot build forward if it forgets where it comes from,” he remarked, referencing the week’s opening cultural showcase, Utamaduni Village, which celebrated the region’s heritage and identity.”
He also announced three major commitments by the State Department to strengthen innovation at the Coast among them the establishment of Blue Innovation Hubs in all six coastal counties, modeled after Swahilipot Hub, to combine skills development, incubation, and access to markets.
Another one is the development of a Pwani Coastal Vision 2055, a long-term economic and spatial plan aligned with Kenya Vision 2055 to protect ecosystems while expanding prosperity.
Also the scaling up youth innovation financing, including investments from this year’s Deals Den and support for creative and green startups.
“Youth are not passengers in development — they are copilots,” the professor declared to an audience of young innovators, diplomats, and government officials.
“This is why we are decentralizing innovation — from Nairobi to Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, and Tana River.”
The PS reaffirmed that the government’s approach will be grounded in community co-design, data transparency, and agility, noting that “nothing about Pwani should be done without Pwani.”
In his closing remarks he challenged the youth to take charge of Kenya’s transformation.
“Pwani is not the periphery of development. Pwani is the gateway of Kenya’s global future.You are the innovators, the protectors, and the architects of Kenya Vision 2055. Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now.”
The week-long event, themed “Pwani Re-imagined: Youth Agency, Innovation & Sustainability of Coastal Economies,” brings together youth leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, diplomats, and policymakers to showcase innovations shaping Kenya’s blue and green economies.
