Coast governors through the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani economic bloc have declared support to multi-million blue economy programs funded by the European Union in the coastal region.
The coastal region is set to fully harness blue economy through a sh 3.5 Billion blue economy grant targeting to fund various development projects in blue economy sectors to uplift livelihoods.
The governors led by Tanariver Dhadho Godana and Kilifi counterpart Gideon Mung’aro pledged to steer the Go blue project touching on Aquaculture, security, cultural heritage and tourism sectors along the coastal strip.
Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) economic bloc, will manage the grant on behalf of the Coast Residents by receiving and awarding proposals according to their merit. Go Blue has three components which include skills and value chain, sea planning and security enhancement.
Speaking after officially opening a regional office in Nyali Mombasa, governor Godana who was flanked by Taita Taveta counterpart Andrew Mwadime termed the project as a game changer to uplifting lives of coastal residents.
“We will provide the desired support to ensure the project goes to the people targeted. As counties we will remain united to work for our people,” said Godana, Mombasa and Lamu, counties represented by Francis Thoya and Raphael Munyua.
Kilifi governor Gideon Mung’aro said unity of the region is paramount for it to fully exploit natural resources for the benefit of the people.Mung’aro the Go blue project also targets to address maritime safety and security challenges among them illegal fishing.
Since the project was launched, at least 384 fishermen have been empowered in Kilifi,376 youth trained on maritime security in Kwale,and 43 groups empowered to do aquaculture projects among others.
“We will be leading from the front, and if there is any governor who doesn’t want development for his people, he should walk away, but that is not the way we want to go, we want to remain united,”Mungaro said.
Kenya is seeking to ensure optimal use of its resources to prevent over-exploitation of maritime resources with a view to ensure new wealth creation opportunities and possibilities for the coastal communities.
Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani CEO Emmanuel Nzai, says three thousand youth are set to benefit from the Go Blue project. Governors from the Coastal Counties have vowed to work together to exploit the blue economy.