Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the national government is actively working to revitalise the country’s blue economy sector.
Prof. Kindiki says the 10 Counties adjacent to the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria have received a record Sh3.2 billion in government grants to Beach Management Units (BMUs) to spur grassroots economic rejuvenation in the blue economy sector.
The blue economy sector encompasses fisheries, maritime biotechnology, aquaculture, tourism, and marine transport and logistics.
The DP noted that the new initiatives aim at unlocking the economic potential of the coastal resources while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Prof. Kindiki says additionally, Kwale County in the coastal region has benefited from the construction of the Sh2.6 billion Shimoni Fish Port project and fish landing sites in Vanga, Mwaupe, Gazi and Kibuyuni fishing villages, each costing approximately Sh200 million.
Further, the DP said the National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre at a cost of Sh1.3 billion, is 40% complete, and the 85% complete Matuga Campus of the Sh600 million Kenya Coast National Polytechnic.
He said fresh produce markets are being constructed at Lunga, Diani, Kinango and Shimba Hills sub-counties of Kwale, while affordable housing projects are being put up in Kwale Town, Kibaoni, Diani and Mackinon areas.
“The construction of the Sh13.7 billion Mwache multipurpose Dam is on course and so is the last mile electrification programme to connect 12,800 households at a cost of Sh1.5 billion,” he said.
He added, “The Kwale County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) is 70% complete and will cost Sh500 million, with the resumption of works on the Samburu-Kwale-Kinango Road, Kwale County will be opened for more businesses.”
Prof. Kindiki was speaking in Matuga Sub County while mobilising resources for women groups in Kwale County hosted by Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito.
He said the event marked a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to uplift local communities through strategic economic and social empowerment programmes.
The initiative focused on economically empowering women and youth through financial support, entrepreneurship training, and access to government-backed opportunities.
Small-scale traders, youth groups, women cooperatives, and local artisans were among the beneficiaries of seed capital and capacity-building support provided during the event.
Prof. Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to grassroots development, noting that the government believes in empowering communities from the bottom up.
“Today’s empowerment drive is not a handout but a hand-up, an opportunity for our people to take charge of their economic future,” he said.
He emphasised that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to transforming rural economies and ensuring no one is left behind in the national development agenda.
Governor Achani hailed the grassroots resource mobilisation as a transformative empowerment initiative aimed at uplifting women, youth, and grassroots entrepreneurs.
“This programme is not just about financial support; it’s about unlocking potential, igniting hope, and creating sustainable economic opportunities across Kwale,” she said.
Achani said the devolved government remains committed to scaling these empowerment efforts, ensuring women and youth continue to receive the tools and support they need to thrive in businesses.
“We have registered over 300 women- and youth-based companies and awarded county tenders to at least 150 of such companies,” she said.
Kwale Woman Rep. Fatuma Masito said the empowerment programme aims to enhance self-reliance among women and youth, stimulate local economic activity through grassroots entrepreneurship, provide access to government affirmative action funds such as the Uwezo Fund and Youth Enterprise Fund, and equip communities with skills to overcome poverty and unemployment.
Masito emphasised gender inclusivity: “When you empower a woman, you empower a community. These programmes are restoring dignity, independence, and purpose to many households across Kwale.”
The forum was also attended by MPs Kassim Tandaza (Matuga), Gonzi Rai (Kinango), Mangale Chiforomondo (Lunga Lunga), Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni), Ali Machele (Mvita), Ruweda Obbo (Lamu East) and John Bwire (Taveta), among others.
By Hussein Abdullahi
