KENYA POISED TO BECOME GLOBAL BLUE ECONOMY LEADER AS NEW REEF PROJECT PROMISES JOBS AND OCEAN RESTORATION.

BY NJOKI KARANJA 
MOMBASA, Kenya 

Kenya's ambitions to become a global leader in the blue economy received a major boost at the close of the Our Oceans Conference in Mombasa, with the announcement of a large-scale marine restoration project expected to create hundreds of jobs and transform coastal ecosystems from Lamu to Mombasa.
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Christopher Fisher Goldblatt, Founder and CEO of the Fish Reef Project, unveiled plans to establish biogenic sea cave reefs along Kenya's coastline, a pioneering initiative designed to restore marine biodiversity, support fisheries, and generate long-term economic opportunities for coastal communities.

The Fish Reef Project, a non-governmental organization based in Santa Barbara, California, develops man-made reef structures that create habitats for corals, fish, lobsters, and other marine species. Goldblatt said the project aligns closely with President William Ruto's vision of expanding Kenya's blue economy while creating sustainable employment opportunities.
"What I heard the President say very clearly is that job creation in the blue economy is a priority," said Goldblatt. "The project we are launching in Lamu County is expected to create several hundred direct, well-paid and permanent jobs, while supporting thousands more through fisheries, ecotourism and marine research."

According to Goldblatt, the initiative will convert hundreds of hectares of seabed currently consisting of barren sediment into thriving coral reef ecosystems over a ten-year period. Once fully funded, the project is expected to stretch along the Kenyan coastline from Lamu to Mombasa, significantly enhancing marine biodiversity and supporting carbon sequestration efforts through what he described as "blue carbon banking."

The announcement came as President Ruto closed the four-day Our Oceans Conference, which attracted more than 6,000 delegates from 104 countries and institutions and secured over 300 commitments valued at approximately US$5.7 billion globally. Kenya alone made 40 commitments worth US$1.1 billion aimed at advancing ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, marine protection and blue economy development.

In his closing address, President Ruto highlighted Kenya's growing investment in the sector, revealing that the government has spent KSh20.3 billion on blue economy and fisheries projects over the past three years. The investments include fish landing sites along the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria, the completion of the Shimoni Fish Port, aquaculture centres of excellence in Kisumu and Kwale, fisheries research vessels, and community fishing boats distributed to coastal communities.

"We did not come to Mombasa to add our names to a longer list of promises. We came to turn the tide," the President said, urging governments, development partners and private investors to translate commitments into concrete action.

Ruto also called for a new model of engagement between Africa and global partners, emphasizing investment-driven partnerships over aid dependency. He argued that Africa's natural resources, youthful workforce and expanding consumer market position the continent as a future engine of global economic growth.

Goldblatt said Kenya's strategic location, expanding port infrastructure and commitment to ocean conservation make it an ideal destination for the reef restoration project. Lamu, with its deep-water port and available land for manufacturing facilities, will serve as the project's operational hub.

"We are proud to be undertaking this project in Africa at scale. This is not a demonstration project; it is a full-scale, world-class initiative that has the potential to make Kenya a global leader in this sector," he said.

The project is expected to contribute to Kenya's efforts to combat climate change, restore degraded marine habitats, strengthen fisheries and create sustainable livelihoods, reinforcing the country's growing reputation as a champion of the blue economy on the global stage.

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