Chibule Champions Regional Partnerships to Drive Innovation and Business Growth in Coastal Counties

Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule has called for stronger partnerships among coastal counties to commercialise innovation, expand business opportunities and create sustainable livelihoods for residents.

Chibule made the remarks after representing Kilifi Governor Gideon Maitha Mung’aro at the 4th Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) Innovation and Business Summit 2026, held at the Centre of Innovation at Hola Vocational Training Centre in Tana River County.

The summit, held under the theme *“Commercialisation of Innovation for Sustainable Growth,”* brought together county leaders, development partners, innovators and young entrepreneurs to explore ways of turning ideas into viable enterprises, employment opportunities and sustainable sources of income.

Discussions centred on how coastal counties can strengthen collaboration, mobilise strategic partnerships and support innovators in transforming their ideas into commercially viable products and services.

Chibule said cooperation among counties was essential in building an integrated coastal economy where businesses could access markets beyond their home counties and benefit from opportunities across the wider Pwani region.

She noted that commercialising innovation requires deliberate investment in partnerships, skills development, enterprise support and market access to ensure that promising ideas translate into tangible economic benefits.

The discussions also aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 17, which emphasises partnerships as a means of achieving sustainable development.

A key focus was the shared ambition of establishing a unified coastal market that would enable enterprises to grow across county borders, expand their customer base and contribute to regional economic development.

Chibule commended the young people, women entrepreneurs and other innovators who showcased their ideas during the summit, noting the potential of local creativity to generate employment, strengthen businesses and improve household livelihoods.

She expressed gratitude to Tana River County, the summit organisers, development partners and participating leaders for their contribution to the event.

She also acknowledged JKP chairman and Tana River Governor, Rtd Major Dhadho Godana, for hosting the summit and providing a platform for regional dialogue on innovation, enterprise development and economic cooperation.

For Kilifi County, the discussions reinforce the importance of working with neighbouring counties to expand economic opportunities and strengthen the region’s competitiveness.

Through closer inter-county collaboration, Kilifi seeks to support partnerships that connect innovators and entrepreneurs to markets, encourage enterprise growth and promote development that benefits communities across the coastal region.

Chibule reaffirmed Kilifi County’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, fostering strategic partnerships and opening up markets for local enterprises.

She said a more connected coastal economy would create opportunities for businesses to grow while supporting job creation and sustainable livelihoods.

The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to explore practical ways of moving innovation beyond ideas and demonstrations towards commercial application, investment and wider economic impact.

As coastal counties continue to pursue shared development priorities, collaboration in innovation and business is expected to remain an important part of efforts to unlock the region’s economic potential.

Chibule concluded by expressing appreciation to the people of Tana River County and calling for continued unity in building a greener, more prosperous and economically integrated Pwani region.

“Asante sana, Tana River. Tuendelee kujenga Pwani yenye ustawi na umoja,” she said.