Governors from the Coastal region have vowed to work together to tap the economic benefits brought by the blue economy.
Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, Kilifi County's Amason Kingi and Salim Mvurya of Kwale participated in the ongoing Sustainable Blue Economy Conference at KICC, in Nairobi, where Joho said as a region, they will forge strategic partnerships to harness the opportunities that blue economy presents for the country.
He said as Jumuia ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) economic bloc, they intend to exploit industrial fishing, offshore extractives, water transport, marine conservation and maritime security sustainably.
Kingi said harnessing the potential of water bodies for economic use will not only diversify Coast region's economic activities but also provide employment opportunities for local people.
"Our great shoreline makes us better placed to reap the best from the blue economy and improve the living standards of our people," he said.
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Speaking at the three-day global conference which has brought together delegates from 83 countries, Kwale governor said the County has embraced the Blue Economy agenda and a feasibility study on Shimoni fishing port is already in advanced stage.
Mvurya said implementation of the fishing point will create thousands of jobs for Kwale people both skilled and unskilled.
"We will continue to advise and direct our youngsters to take up studies while looking at the future investments. We will continue with the efforts of sensitising our farmers and entrepreneurs on available opportunities now and in future," he said on Monday.
President Uhuru Kenyatta officially opened the event on Monday.