Mombasa: The process to develop Kenya's National Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) took a huge progress after the national secretariat completed a collection of views from key stakeholders in the coastal region. The secretariat visited five coastal counties of Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Tana River and Mombasa to gather information and perspectives from community representatives to inform the development of the plan.
According to Kenya News Agency, the MSP forums served as a reflection on the sustainable development of the country's vast marine resources and the immense potential inherent in the maritime space. Most of the participants welcomed the government initiative to develop a marine spatial plan to transform the multi-billion-shilling blue economy sector. Integrating land and sea planning seeks to promote the blue economy sector and ensure sustainable development of the maritime industry.
The National Coordinator for the Marine Spatial Plan, Dr. Jackline Uku, stated that the MSP outlines the vision and strategies to utilise the oceanic resources of fisheries, oil and gas, and other seabed minerals, as well as renewable energy potential like wind, waves, and tides. Dr. Uku emphasized that coastal states like Kenya, which have a unique maritime position, possess sovereignty over these waters, allowing them to exercise rights for exploiting, conserving, and managing these natural assets.
The MSP, approved by the cabinet in March 2024, is being spearheaded by the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries in collaboration with other stakeholders including the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, and the State Department for Physical and Land Use Planning. The plan is a national strategy to manage and utilise marine and coastal resources by balancing ecological, social, and economic objectives.
Stakeholders opine that Kenya's blue economy sector has the potential to contribute between Sh150 billion and Sh300 billion to GDP with proper investment and commitment to a sustainable maritime industry.