Eight women and youth-led Blue Economy groups in Kilifi County Tuesday received Sh12 million worth of equipment to strengthen livelihoods, climate resilience, and sustainable coastal resource use.
The equipment, distributed under the Regenerative Seascapes Project for Planet, Nature and People (ReSea) Project, includes laptops, refrigerators, beehives, kitchen appliances, and furniture.
The items were officially handed over during a ceremony held at the Buntwani Waterfront Park in Malindi and attended by Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, Shella Ward MCA Twahir Abdulkarim, representatives from Global Affairs Canada, Mission Inclusion, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The ReSea Project is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Mission Inclusion, IUCN, and Groots Kenya. It seeks to empower coastal communities through sustainable Blue Economy enterprises while strengthening their capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Speaking during the event, Chibule said the support would create sustainable income-generating opportunities for communities in Malindi, Magarini, and Kilifi North through activities such as mangrove honey production, eco-tourism, crab farming, and marine litter recycling.
“As part of our continued commitment to improving livelihoods and helping communities adapt to climate change, this support will directly empower our communities while equipping beneficiaries with critical skills in climate adaptation, resilience building, and sustainable management of coastal resources,” she said.
Chibule noted that women and youth remain at the centre of efforts to transform livelihoods, protect the environment, and drive inclusive economic growth across the county.
She said partnerships between development agencies and county governments were key to creating opportunities that uplift families while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
Among those who attended the ceremony were Kerry Max, Deputy Director of Global Affairs Canada, Andréanne Martel of Mission Inclusion, Thomas Sberna of IUCN, and Dr. Davies Makila from the State Department for Blue Economy.
Shella Ward MCA Twahir Abdulkarim lauded the initiative, saying it would significantly improve the economic well-being of women in the area.
He expressed pride that the Shella Pwani Women Group was among the beneficiaries, describing the project as a testament to ongoing efforts to empower women economically and socially.
He thanked the county government and development partners for their contribution towards transforming the lives of women and promoting sustainable community development.
The beneficiaries are expected to use the equipment to expand their enterprises, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the conservation of coastal ecosystems that support the region’s Blue Economy.
By Shani Rhai and Emmanuel Masha
