February 15, 2023 (NAIVASHA, Kenya): The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs of Kenya in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) today hold a one-day workshop for the purpose of validating the National Blue Economy Strategy 2023-2027.
This validation workshop was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Salim Mvurya, brought together the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries; the National Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation; the Council of Governors Blue Economy Committee; Principal Secretaries from line Ministries, the County Executive Committee Members, and the Council of Governors Secretariat.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Salim Mvurya said his strong belief that the Strategy was comprehensive, all-inclusive and incorporated best standards and practices in blue growth development”. It “is tailored to the needs and aspirations of this Country, and that the strategies for harnessing the opportunities in the diverse blue economy components are well articulated”, he added.
The Head of the IGAD Mission to Kenya, Dr Fatouma Aden, speaking for IGAD Executive Secretary stated: “In order to domesticate the IGAD Blue Economy Strategy, IGAD supported Member States to develop their own national Blue Economy Strategy, which is aligned with the IGAD and AU Blue Economy Strategies: As we adopt the Kenya National Blue Economy Strategy (2023–2027), It is our sincere hope that Kenya national strategy will lay a solid foundation for an innovative, prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable blue economy.”
As Hon. Salim Mvurya closed the validation workshop in the evening after the document was validated, he made a plea to the IGAD team to “consider strengthening a showcase of regional experiences”, which would create “opportunities for cross-learning, regional collaboration and cooperation for the benefit of our people and blue economy development”.
The IGAD Blue Economy project is supported by Sweden.
