September 30, 2025 (Nairobi, Kenya): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs of Kenya, successfully concluded a two-day national workshop to strengthen Kenya’s National Blue Economy Coordination Platform (NBECP). The national workshop, held from 29–30 September 2025, was supported by IGAD through the SwedenGovernment (SIDA) financed Blue Economy Project.
Opening the workshop, representatives from the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya, and IGAD Secretariat underlined the importance of coordination, governance, and multi-sectoral collaboration to unlock the full potential of the Blue Economy.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Daher Elmi, IGAD Director of Agriculture and Environment Division, Dr Eshete Dejen, IGAD Programme Manager for Sustainable Environment Protection and Coordinator of the Blue Economy Project, emphasised:
💬 “The Blue Economy is not just about sectoral integration—it is a pathway to sustainable inclusive growth, resilience and livelihoods for our people. It requires us to join efforts across ministries, institutions and communities to mobilise resources, safeguard our biodiversity, and ensure the benefits of blue growth reach every citizen.”
From the host government’s perspective, Mr Charles Ondu, Assistant Director, State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, speaking on behalf of Dr Davies Makilla Mukwabi, the Director of Blue Economy and the National Blue Economy Focal Point, reaffirmed Kenya’s leadership:
💬 “The Blue Economy represents a transformative opportunity for Kenya, offering pathways to sustainable growth, job creation, food security, and environmental resilience. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to strengthen our national coordination platform and ensure the Blue Economy becomes a cornerstone of Africa’s transformation.”
Adding Kenya’s diplomatic voice, Ambassador Lucy Kiruthu, Deputy Director General – Political and Diplomatic Affairs & Head of Policy, Research and Strategic Analysis, State Department for Foreign Affairs, stressed:
💬 “Kenya’s leadership in the Blue Economy is not only a national priority but a regional responsibility—anchored in integration, sustainability and cooperation.”
Over the course of two days, participants engaged in in-depth discussions and group work on opportunities and challenges facing Kenya’s Blue Economy strategy, including mechanisms to integrate Blue Economy priorities into the national development plan. Experts also reviewed milestones from IGAD’s regional Blue Economy programme, exploring pathways to strengthen biodiversity conservation, resource mobilisation, and livelihood diversification.
The workshop concluded with the formulation of concrete recommendations to institutionalise Kenya’s NBECP, strengthen governance..
By fostering collaboration across ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, the NBECP will support Kenya in mobilising resources and implementing a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy strategy. Looking ahead. Tthe NBECP will also serve as a foundation to develop a detailed action plan for the upcoming UN Ocean Conference, which Kenya will proudly host for the first time on the African continent.
This effort forms part of IGAD’s broader commitment to advancing regional integration and ensuring the Blue Economy serves as a catalyst for prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa.
