Kenya’s blue economy is set to receive a major boost after President William Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing the sector during a visit to the Norwegian marine research vessel Dr Fridtjof Nansen at the Port of Mombasa following his return from the G7 Summit.
The President said the blue economy remains a key pillar in the government’s plan to strengthen food security, create jobs and drive economic growth, especially for young people.
Speaking after touring the state-of-the-art research vessel, Ruto said scientific research and better management of marine resources will play a critical role in unlocking the economic potential of Kenya’s coastline.
“We remain focused in our commitment to advancing the blue economy as a strategic pillar for enhancing food security, creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities for young people,” he said.
The Dr Fridtjof Nansen, owned by the Kingdom of Norway, operates under the United Nations flag and is managed by the Institute of Marine Research. The vessel is equipped with advanced scientific technology used to study marine ecosystems and ocean resources.
According to the President, research carried out by the vessel will provide valuable data to help Kenya better understand its marine resources and support sustainable exploitation of the country’s ocean economy.
“The vessel’s scientific work will expand our collective understanding of the immense resource potential that our oceans hold, adding value to marine productivity, sustainability and sound management of the resources,” Ruto said.
He also lauded the collaboration of the vessel’s research crew with Kenyan scientists and how this will go a long way in building local capacity in the marine sciences and advancing the country’s blue economy agenda.
“At the same time, equally important is the collaboration between the vessel’s research crew and Kenyan scientists, which will build local capacity, conduct maritime research, and facilitate sustainable development of our ocean economy,” he furthered.
Ruto’s visit to Mombasa followed his recent trip to France where he participated in the G7 summit representing Africa in deliberations on global economic development and climate change issues.
The Government has continued to see the blue economy as one sector that has potential to boost investments and create employment through the sustainable exploitation of our marine resources.
