Government Vows to Drive Blue Economy from Research to Commercial Reality

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The state department for science, research and innovation principal secretary Prof Shaukhat Abdulrazak reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to transform blue economy research into commercially viable ventures.

Speaking at the Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit 2025, the professor emphasised the need to have a unified approach between the government, academia, innovators, and development partners in order to harness the blue economy potential.

“The Kenya National Research Fund and other government agencies are ready to support innovations. But these innovations must have a tangible impact on society. We must connect research with commercialisation.”

The PS noted that while Kenya has relevant policies in place to support the blue economy more work was needed to align research efforts with job creation and economic development.

According to him institutions of higher learning should tailor their programs to meet the current and future demands of go blue such as marine conservation, aquaculture, and ocean-based renewable energy.

Among the innovations highlighted were crab farming and seaweed production that the professor says require both government support and private sector participation.

“We have a lot of good ideas. But without coordination and synergy, we risk missing the mark,” he warned adding that sustainability and measurable impact must be the ultimate goals of all scientific research.

The professor disclosed that science and innovation currently receive only 0.8% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) far below the 1% target.

“Why should we be given more resources if we can’t demonstrate impact?” he posed calling for increased accountability within the research sector.

The PS expressed strong support for the creation of an Ocean Conservation Fund to tackle marine pollution, and growing threat to Kenya’s coastal ecosystems.

His sentiments were echoed by David Ogiga, executive director of Sote Hub, a business incubator working with startups in the innovation space in the country.

“We are here to actualize research by funding entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. We give grants to help them transition from idea to enterprise,” he said.

The director noted that Kenya boasted over 100 innovation hubs, highlighting the crucial role of the private sector in bridging the gap between research and commercialisation.

“We are in constant dialogue with the government to ensure that research translates into real development outcomes.”

Michael Mlynar, deputy executive director of UN-Habitat, praised Kenya’s efforts in promoting the blue economy and urged stakeholders to capitalize on key research areas for economic transformation.

“This sector is truly transformative. We have worked with coastal counties and can confirm that the blue economy holds immense potential for Kenya,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of investing in human capital calling on county governments to support youth-led innovation.

According to Mlynar the blue economy is already creating jobs in tourism, circular economy initiatives, and e-waste management.

The summit culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing top innovators in the blue economy space where Best Blue Tech Innovation Startup went to Junichi Taniguchi of Japan.

Best Pitch Blue Economy Startup award went to Brenda Wambui Wanjiku while First Runners-Up (Best Pitch Startup): Dave Okechof Kenya.

Second Runners-Up (Inclusive Finance Startup): Ben Wambui and Best Overall Startup Winner: Maria Daudi of Tanzania.

The three-day event brought together government officials, technocrats, funders, and innovators from across the region. It marked a significant step in driving Kenya’s agenda to commercialize scientific research and expand the country’s footprint in the global blue economy.