The inaugural 'Kenya Blue Economy Debate 2024' took place on the 5th and 6th of November, 2024, at the Technical University of Mombasa, marking a significant milestone in discussions surrounding coastal resilience and sustainable practices. The event gathered over 200 dynamic participants from various institutions and organizations, including TUM, JKUAT Mombasa, The Marines, The Blue Vanguard, Bandari Maritime Academy, Swahilipot Hub, Pwani University, UON and Taita Taveta University, among others.
This important event was thoughtfully organized by the Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub Kenya and Policy Action Initiative and brought together a diverse array of key partners and sponsors, each contributing their unique expertise and resources to ensure the event's success. Notable collaborators included Sote Hub, Leopard Resort, Msambweni Beach House, among several others, all of which played vital roles in shaping the discussions and initiatives presented during the gathering.
The debate featured a lineup of esteemed speakers and thought leaders who generously shared their insights about the intricate interplay between the blue economy and coastal resilience.
Prof. Laila Abubakar, the Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), formally inaugurated the debate and encouraged participants to approach discussions with open minds, eager to unveil new ideas for a brighter and sustainable future. Her call to action encouraged everyone to delve into innovative ideas and collaborate on envisioning a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Mr. Rashid Imam, representing Ms. Betsy Njagi, the Principal Secretary - Blue Economy and Fisheries, highlighted Kenya's Blue Economy as a key driver for socio-economic development, citing the country's significant marine and freshwater resources. He noted the potential in fisheries, aquaculture, maritime logistics, and marine renewable energy while aligning the Blue Economy with the Kenya Kwanza Government's Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda focused on job creation, food security, and income growth through sustainable practices. He also addressed the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and encouraged the youth, especially students, to contribute innovative ideas for the Blue Economy's sustainable development.
Dr Mariam Swaleh, founder of the Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub (OCI) and Assistant Registrar of TUM Partnerships, Research and Innovation, articulated the untapped potential of Kenya’s impressive 600-kilometer coastline for sustainable development. She passionately remarked, “With trade, tourism, innovation, and research, we have the opportunity to earn billions while addressing climate change.”
Additionally, Dr Tayba Hatimy from Baus Taka Enterprise and Eco-circular Hub, Kenneth Njihia from Sote Hub, and Frederik Vanderhoeven, Founder and Managing Director of Msambweni Beach House also delivered insightful keynote addresses during the opening ceremony.
Thereafter, Mr. Brian Kithinji, CEO of the Policy Action Initiative, warmly welcomed participants and outlined the debate rules and objectives. He was joined by Mr. Elijah Bakari from PAI, who served as the lead judge, setting the stage for a spirited and engaging competition.
Centered around the theme "Blue Economy and Coastal Resilience," the debate served as a platform to explore innovative pathways to develop a sustainable blue economy that benefits both Kenya's coastal communities and the marine environment. The debaters addressed important issues such as sustainable fisheries management, marine renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate change resilience. Each topic is essential for the future well-being of Kenya's coastal regions and communities, which depend heavily on the health of their marine ecosystems. The tagline "Bahari Yetu, Maisha Yetu" (Our Ocean, Our Life) resonated deeply, reflecting the vital connection between Kenya's coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods of its people.
Professor Peter Gichangi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Research and Engagement, concluded the ceremony by highlighting the vital role that oceans play in our survival. He underscored this message by quoting renowned researcher Eugenie Clark, who said, “The ocean is like a big blue heart that connects all living creatures. We must protect it for the sake of our survival.”
After the two-day knockout tournament among the debaters, three teams emerged victorious:
1. JKUAT
2. Bandari Marine Academy
3. Masinde Muliro University
The best team, JKUAT, was awarded a one-day stay at Msambweni Beach Homes. Additionally, the best debate speaker, Elifet Ouma from JKUAT, received a gift voucher for Leopard Resort.
The Kenya Blue Economy Debate 2024 transcended the bounds of a conventional event—it represented a transformative movement aimed at reshaping the future of Kenya's coastal regions. Through collaboration, innovative thinking, and meaningful dialogue, participants co-created actionable solutions that have the potential to ensure a sustainable and thriving blue economy for generations to come.
