Nairobi: Six coastal counties have launched a Sh156 billion ($1.2 billion) blue economy plan aimed at unlocking jobs, climate resilience, and shared prosperity for communities along Kenya’s coastline over the next four years. The Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) Blue Economy Multi-Agency Action Plan (JKP-BEMAP) 2026-2030 was launched at the close of the Our Ocean Conference, bringing together county governments, national agencies, and development partners under a single investment roadmap.
According to Kenya News Agency, JKP Governors’ Forum Chairman Dhadho Godhana stated that the plan was developed in consultation with communities, counties, and technical experts to guide the region’s blue economy agenda. Godhana emphasized that the plan involved comprehensive collaboration from communities, counties, and technical teams, up to the governors, marking it as the official plan for coastal county programs.
Tana River County Governor announced the rollout of a Blue Green Bond targeting nearly USD 400 million to reduce reliance on the national government and establish a sustainable resource base for coastal projects. Godhana encouraged Beach Management Units, SACCOs, conservancies, and small traders to leverage the plan, highlighting the Mombasa Agreement’s role in ensuring benefits reach small-scale fishermen.
Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Director General Justus Omae Nyarandi noted the agency’s support in developing the plan and its ongoing role in monitoring its implementation. Nyarandi revealed plans to train around 15,000 coxswains, recognizing their prior learning to enhance safety in coastal waters. He also mentioned the global shipping industry’s shift from fossil fuels, with KMA exploring green energy production along the coast.
JKP Secretariat Chief Executive Officer Dr. Emmanuel Nzai explained that the plan, developed with the National Government, targets bankable projects worth up to 1.5 billion US dollars, aligning with Kenya Vision 2030. Nzai emphasized the President’s call for organization, asserting that the plan represents a complete partnership between Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani and the National Government, with priority areas including marine transport, shipyards, fish ports, deep-sea fishing vessels, tourism infrastructure, and infrastructure for special economic zones.
Blue Economy Technical Advisor Dr. Edwin Ogumbo detailed the plan’s funding structure, expecting 35 percent of the funds from national government agencies, 20 percent from county governments, and additional contributions from development partners and private investors.
