The six coastal counties under the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani on Thursday launched a partnership with the European Union (EU) in a bid to realize sustainable development based on the blue economy.
The partnership that was launched in Malindi, Kilifi County was graced by Governors Amason Kingi of Kilifi, Dhadho Godana of Tana River, Fahim Yasin Twaha of Lamu, and Hubert Perr, the European Union Head of Operations.
In his address to the press after the launch, Kingi said that the partnership would harness the vast potential of the blue economy that is present in the region.
“As a region, this collaboration will help us unlock our sea and land potential by enhancing sustainable economic growth by revamping the sea and land opportunities,” he said.
Kingi added that the collaborative efforts would help the coastal region develop value chains in both the fishing and agricultural sectors.
“Our purpose as county and national government is to create an enabling environment for the local and international investors and by extension play a facilitative role," he stated.
Among the transformative programmes set to be implemented are tourism and heritage, fisheries, extractions, and maritime.