Kenya’s coastal counties have unveiled an ambitious Blue-Green Bond Programme aimed at unlocking investments in fisheries, tourism, marine conservation and climate resilience, marking one of the key outcomes of the 11th “Our Ocean Conference” underway in Mombasa.
The initiative, launched by governors under the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP), seeks to mobilise sustainable financing for blue economy projects and position Kenya as a leading destination for innovative ocean financing on the continent.
The announcement came as Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki opened the three-day global conference with a call for countries and development partners to move beyond commitments and deliver tangible results in protecting the world’s oceans.
“We must move to action and impact to ensure our oceans are safe and protected,” Prof. Kindiki told delegates drawn from governments, development agencies, research institutions, investors and environmental organisations from across the world.
The conference is focusing on the future of marine ecosystems and how countries can harness ocean resources sustainably to create jobs, improve livelihoods and strengthen resilience against climate change.
In a major show of regional cooperation, governors from the six coastal counties signed a joint declaration committing themselves to jointly advance the blue economy agenda through innovative financing mechanisms.
The newly launched Kenya Blue-Green Bond Programme will channel investments into fisheries, aquaculture, maritime infrastructure, coastal tourism, marine conservation and climate adaptation projects in line with Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
A joint technical committee has been established to develop the bond framework and oversee the issuance of Kenya’s first Blue-Green Bond within the next 12 months.
The programme is expected to attract long-term capital, create green and blue jobs and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change.
Speaking during the signing, Taita Taveta Governor, Andrew Mwadime said the initiative reflected the determination of coastal counties to pursue shared prosperity through collective action.
“We are here today to commit to work together for the common good of the Coast region. This programme will unlock the region’s potential. I commit, but let my signature walk the talk,” he said.
Governor Mwadime noted that the benefits of the blue economy extend beyond Kenya’s coastline, citing Taita Taveta’s inclusion among 15 counties set to benefit from the NAFAD Blue Economy Project.
The project targets the development of Lake Chala and Lake Jipe and is expected to open up opportunities in fishing, aquaculture, eco-tourism and water transport while creating employment and improving household incomes.
He said sustainable management of the two transboundary lakes shared by Kenya and Tanzania would also enhance water security for agricultural production and domestic use among border communities while contributing to environmental conservation.
The governor added that Taita Taveta remained committed to harnessing blue economy opportunities to drive inclusive growth, particularly for women and young people.
The developments in Mombasa signal Kenya’s growing determination to translate global environmental commitments into practical investments capable of generating jobs, protecting ecosystems and transforming both coastal and inland communities through the sustainable use of aquatic resources.
by Arnold Linga Masila
