Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has urged their counterparts from the North Rift Economic Bloc to collaborate with the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) in sectors of common interest so as to create synergy especially in tourism and value addition of cash crops for export.
He made the statement following conclusion of the three-day Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Joho joined his counterparts Governor Dhadho Godana (Tana River), Governor Amason Kingi (Kilifi), Governor Mike Sonko (Nairobi), Governor Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) and Governor Patrick Kaemba (Trans Nzoia) in a cocktail event organised by the County Government of Tana River, aimed at rolling out its investment plan to the business community.
Read: Joho, Waititu ranked worst performing governors in new poll
The event at the Intercontinental Hotel also saw various stakeholders and county government officials in attendance.
As Coastal counties, Governor Kingi said they have configured themselves under the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani bloc which is now championing for development strategies as far as the Blue Economy is concerned.
He disclosed that Coast counties have come up with a blueprint and investment strategy that will help make a bigger impact and reap big from resources found within JKP water bodies.
Read: Political twist as Governor Joho surprisingly meets Sonko, Details
Kingi called on investors, especially those in the diaspora to get in touch with the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani Secretariat so that they can get a feel of the vast investment opportunities that lie within coastline.
He further hailed President Uhuru Kenyatta for reiterating his commitment towards improving opportunities in the blue economy, citing launching of the Coast Guard which is a dedicated unit for purposes of patrolling not only the beaches but also the entire exclusive economic zone.
With security assured, Kingi said most fishermen will now have a safe working environment thereby improving their livelihoods.
"We are upbeat that the Coast Guard unit will also put to rest cases of illegal, unregulated and unreported vessels and ensure we enjoy our resources fully by allowing Kenyan vessels to fully ply our waters," he said.
Read: What governors Joho, Kingi, Mvurya said as President Uhuru launched Blue Economy conference