• The government projects that with structured investment, improved governance, and stronger public‑private partnerships, the sector could more than double its contribution in the short term.

On February 26, 2026, the Kenyan government launched the National Blue Economy Strategy 2025–2030, a blueprint that repositions oceans, lakes, and inland waters as engines of prosperity rather than peripheral resources.

Unveiling the plan in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho declared a decisive shift:

“For too long, the blue economy has been treated as peripheral rather than foundational to our economic planning; this strategy corrects that.”

Hassan Ali Joho, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs, speaking during the launch of Kenya’s National Blue Economy strategy 2025-2030. (Photo Credit: Hassan Ali Joho/ X).

The strategy builds on momentum from the 2018 Sustainable Blue Economy Conference and aligns with Vision 2030, the Bottom‑Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and the State Department’s Strategic Plan.

It places fisheries, aquaculture, maritime trade, coastal tourism, and marine conservation at the heart of Kenya’s growth story.

Principal Secretary for Blue Economy and Fisheries Betsy Njagi underscored the urgency of turning policy into bankable projects:

“We must raise the sector from current earnings of KSh40 billion to at least KSh80–100 billion in the next two years, and KSh350 billion by 2030.”

Her words framed the strategy as an investment‑ready roadmap for private sector players, development partners, and coastal communities.

Betsy Njagi, PS, State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, during the launch of Kenya’s National Blue Economy strategy 2025-2030. (Photo Credit: Betsy Njagi/ X).

The government projects that with structured investment, improved governance, and stronger public‑private partnerships, the sector could more than double its contribution in the short term.

Global Stage, Local Stakes

The launch also doubled as a curtain‑raiser for Kenya’s hosting of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, June 16–18, 2026. Njagi reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to welcome the world:

“This global platform will strengthen partnerships and accelerate action for sustainable ocean management.”

The conference is expected to spotlight Kenya’s marine potential while catalyzing international investment in fisheries, port development, marine research, and coastal enterprises.

With the new strategy, Kenya aims to transform the blue economy from an underexploited frontier into a cornerstone of national prosperity, job creation, and environmental stewardship.

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