Kenya Banks on Blue Economy to Unlock Future Jobs and Growth

 

By Beckham Morara

Kenya is charting a new path to economic prosperity by tapping into the immense potential of its blue economy, a sector highlighted during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations as a key pillar for future development.

With over 600 kilometers of coastline and 10 major lakes, the country’s marine and freshwater resources are being reimagined—not just as scenic landmarks, but as powerful engines for job creation, food security, and national revenue.

According to the State Department for the Blue Economy, Kenya’s aquatic sector could contribute up to KES 500 billion annually to the GDP and create more than 2 million jobs. Key areas of growth include fishing, marine transport, tourism, aquaculture, and marine biotechnology.

“Kenya’s waters are economic goldmines that have been underutilized for too long,” a government spokesperson said during the national celebrations. “Our commitment now is to harness this potential sustainably and inclusively.”

For small-scale fishers like Asha, a 36-year-old from Kilifi, the impact is already being felt. “We’ve been given new boats and cold storage,” she shared while sorting her morning catch. “Now we sell fresh fish directly to hotels, and our income has doubled.”

Despite such progress, only 8% of Kenya’s fish production potential is currently exploited, revealing the vast room for expansion. The government has started making targeted investments in deep-sea fishing infrastructure, cold storage, and local fish processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and improve value addition.

Tourism along the coast, which pre-COVID generated KES 120 billion annually, is also receiving renewed attention. Officials believe that with the right investment in eco-tourism and sustainable marine experiences, the coastal tourism sector could exceed past performance and provide thousands of new jobs.

However, the sector faces serious threats. Overfishing, plastic pollution, habitat destruction, and the impacts of climate change—such as coral bleaching and rising sea temperatures—are straining marine ecosystems.

To address these challenges, the government has rolled out conservation-focused initiatives such as the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development Project (KEMFSED), which supports both environmental protection and community training.

Environmentalists and economists alike are optimistic about the long-term gains if the country stays the course. “We are looking at an opportunity to not only grow our economy but also secure livelihoods for generations to come,” said a KEMFSED official.

As Madaraka Day commemorated Kenya’s journey to self-governance, this year’s focus on the blue economy served as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential beneath the surface.

“The ocean is not just water—it’s our future,” Asha said, echoing a sentiment that may well shape Kenya’s next chapter.