The process to develop Kenya’s first national Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to sustainably manage oceanic resources and promote the blue economy sector is at an advanced stage.
The plan covers the country’s entire ocean space and aims to coordinate various marine uses like fishing, shipping, tourism and energy through a public data-driven process.
After a series of stakeholders’ engagement forums, the final MSP draft is expected to be submitted to the cabinet for approval in June 2026.
The MSP is a strategic approach to manage ocean resources sustainably by balancing economic growth with ecological preservation and it’s a key part of Kenya’s vision for a blue economy endeavour.
The planning process has reached a critical stage after the completion of public engagements with community representatives in five coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu.
This was followed by a series of engagements involving Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), civil societies, private sectors, county governments, marginalised and vulnerable groups.
Stakeholders contend that MSP can enhance the country’s capacity to manage and monitor its coastal and marine areas, leading to better enforcement of regulations, improved data collection and more effective decision-making.
They say the adoption of MSP could provide a holistic and sustainable approach to the management of coastal and marine resources leading to enhanced social wellbeing, economic prosperity and the preservation of the fragile marine habitats.
Stakeholders also contend that Kenya, just like many other coastal countries, is already grappling with the impacts of climate change, from rising sea levels to widespread coral bleaching.
The Marine Spatial Planning is a forward-looking effort to boost the country’s resilience by safeguarding vital ecosystems that act as natural defences against climate threats like heat waves, floods, sea-level rise and ocean acidification.
“The participatory process aims to ensure the sustainable, equitable, and inclusive utilisation of Kenya’s marine and coastal resources for the benefit of people and the environment,” said MSP National Secretariat Coordinator Dr Jacqueline Uku.
She said the MSP has real implications for people and their livelihoods especially in fisheries and tourism sectors.
“The MSP is not just about coastal conservation but it’s also about the long-term sustainability and shared economic opportunities found in the ocean space,” she said adding that the MSP will move Kenya towards a resilient and inclusive blue economy.
Dr Uku said the input of stakeholders was essential to develop a comprehensive marine plan to sustainably manage the use of marine spaces and provide a framework to reduce conflicts and safeguard marine ecosystems.
She said the Marine Spatial Planning is all about finding the right balance, safeguarding the marine environment while ensuring the ocean continues to support livelihoods and economic growth for posterity.
Stakeholders welcomed their inclusion in the process to develop the comprehensive MSP plan that seeks to accelerate the growth of the blue economy sector that encompasses fisheries, maritime biotechnology, aquaculture, tourism, and marine transport and logistics.
“This inclusive approach ensures that diverse perspectives are integrated into the plan to foster local ownership and transparency,” said Lionel Murage, Director of East Africa Representative Seacology Foundation.
Murage said community engagement is essential for the successful realization of the MSP that will ensure a healthy balance between economic growth, environmental conservation and social equity.
Speaking during a National Stakeholders Engagement Forums at North Coast Beach Hotel in Kilifi County, Murage also called for a proper legal framework to guide the development and implementation of the plan.
He added that the marine spatial planning would create a conducive environment to unlock the blue economy and address conflicts within ocean spaces.
Founder Director of Coastal and Marine Resource Development (COMRED) Dr Patrick Kimani welcomed the initiative saying the involvement of community groups was critical to realise an objective and acceptable plan.
Kimani contends that participation of various stakeholders create trust, ownership and ensures the plan aligns with local aspirations.
Kimani says by protecting mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, the MSP helps buffer coastlines from storms, flooding, and erosion, while also preserving biodiversity
The General Manager of Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi Maureen Awour Obunga suggested creation of waterfront parks at riparian areas along the beaches to avoid any form of encroachment.
“This will not only create public spaces for recreational purposes but also bring ecological benefits,” said Obunga.
The hotelier lauded the inclusion of all key stakeholders in the process to develop marine spatial plan saying this will foster transparency and ensure equitable distribution of benefits while reducing conflicts
Dr Uku noted MSP is a practical and participatory approach to organising marine space and managing interactions between human use and the aquatic environment.
“The engagement with communities is part of a broader and ongoing stakeholder engagement strategy for MSP. It is intended to create awareness about the plan and obtain input from a wide range of community-level stakeholders to inform the planning process,” she added.
Dr Uku said the process that began in 2019 has moved from high-level boardroom engagement to the bottom-up stakeholders’ consultations on the development plan.
She further said a clear grievance redress mechanism (GRM) framework and tools are in place for the marine spatial plan process.
GRM is an organised way of addressing complaints, resolving problems and collecting information that arises out of a development project.
Dr Uku, a principal research scientist with Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) stated that the MSP would in the long run minimise conflicts between economic sectors through the identification of ocean spaces that are appropriate for different uses and activities.
The MSP approved by the cabinet in March 2024 is spearheaded by the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries in collaboration with other stakeholders including the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs. The plan process is being supervised by the State Department for Physical and Land Use Planning.
It is being funded by the Kenya Government and the World Bank through the Kenya Maritime Fisheries Socio-economic Development (KEMFSED) project.
By Mohamed Hassan
