By Joel Onyango and Christabel Mukubwa
The future of Kenya’s Blue Economy can be rewritten by a single fund one that not only empowers women-led and youth fisheries and seaweed enterprises but also unites entire coastal communities, transforming them into resilient, climate-smart engines of growth that drive prosperity for all.
By Joel Onyango and Christabel Mukubwa
Along Kenya’s coastal shorelines, something extraordinary has been unfolding. It’s not a tech startup or a global investment boom. Its seaweed, yes, that slippery green brown crop that once held little value beyond the tide.
By Ursulla Wandili, Victor Omondi and Benard Simiyu
Introduction
Kenya’s coastal region is endowed with rich coastal and marine biodiversity and ocean resources, offering significant potential for economic growth through the Blue Economy. This sector currently contributes approximately KES 178.8 billion to Kenya’s economy annually according to the Kenya News Agency, 2024, representing about 2.5% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) as reported by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, 2025.
Authors: Victor Omondi, Betty Mohe, Joel Onyango and Anne Maina
Introduction
In Kibuyuni Village, Kwale County, Kenya, farming of seaweeds or kelp, has become a common practice attracting women from the coastal region as an invaluable source of livelihood and income. It is reported that women make up 75.2% of farmers while men and youth contribute 17.4% and 7.62%, respectively[1] underscoring the vital role that women play in the seaweed production. The most cultivated species of seaweed in this region include Spinosum (Eucheuma denticulatum) and Cottonii (Kappaphycus alvarezii) given their short production cycle and high yield and ability to withstand temperature variations and infestation by algal parasites (The farming of Seaweeds). These women employ common farming methods such as off-bottom, floating raft, tubular and long line, with each method being dependent on the depth and ocean bed dynamics of the site.
Joel Onyango, Benard Simiyu, Maureen Kabasa
In recent years, the concept of the blue economy has gained traction as a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for maximizing the potential of oceans and marine resources. Central to this economic paradigm is the principle of inclusivity, which emphasizes the ethical use of marine ecosystems for the benefit of all stakeholders, from local coastal communities to global corporations.
By: Everlyne (Eva) Komba & Kenneth Odary
Authors: Gillian Faith Achieng, Joel Onyango
As a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for maximizing the potential of oceans and marine resources, the blue economy has gained a lot of support in recent years. The core of this economic paradigm is centered around inclusivity, which prioritizes the ethical utilization of marine ecosystems for the advantage of all parties involved, ranging from coastal communities to worldwide companies. A sustainable blue economy not only places environmental preservation as a top priority but also seeks to empower underprivileged areas, promoting social fairness and economic durability.
By Joel Onyango
In Kenya's coastal regions, women play a vital role in their communities, particularly in sectors such as fishing, small-scale agriculture, and tourism. However, they often face numerous challenges that limit their economic opportunities and hinder their ability to fully participate in local development. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive business models, which are deliberate interventions that sustainably integrate low-income and marginalized individuals or groups into the value chains of core business activities in a community with a view to improving their economic livelihoods.
By Alfred Oduor and Fiona Makayoto
The increasing global demand for seaweed is driving its production in East Africa. Apart from being the main ingredient in pharmaceutical, cleaning and personal care products, the aquatic plant also plays a key role in ocean ecosystems and the planet.
By Alfred Oduor and Fiona Makayoto
The interplay between local micro-economic factors juxtaposed with gender dynamics in the context of environmental conservation determines – to a large extent – the social welfare and wellbeing of a community.
By Eva Komba
Women empowerment is an important developmental agenda that has been adopted worldwide. This has therefore placed the subject as a major element of developmental policy that is reflected in major international, regional and sub-regional as well as national frameworks.
Eva Komba, Kenneth Odary and Alfred Oduor
Tucked deep in Kenya’s south coast is Kibuyuni village, home to generations of coastal fisher folks, a place where Fatuma Usi, calls home. Respectfully referred to as Mama, Fatuma, her presence in Kibuyuni is announced by her well-built house constructed of limestone quarry blocks and roofed with tin metal sheets. Standing at four feet seven inches, Mama Fatuma’s diminutive frame and humble demeanour betrays the gentle giant that she is.
Eva Komba, Kenneth Odary & Alfred Oduor
The increasing adoption of seaweed farming in Kenya’s coastal region is promising to transform women’s economic fortunes in the area. And now, a new initiative - Blue Empowerment - is expected to catalyse this transformation even further by introducing a novel technological model that integrates seaweed and fish farming.
By Samwel Juma (C-Weeds Corporation, Kenya)
Our marine and coastal areas are extremely full of potential, especially in terms of economic benefits, social gains, and climate change. The Go-Blue initiatives like the Blue Empowerment lobby on using the biggest untapped resource (Ocean) of up to 850km coastline. These initiatives aim to bring inclusive and integrated approaches that may provide opportunities for the youth and women.