State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries

Today, I briefed the Steering Committee for the Our Ocean Conference on the state of preparedness for hosting the 11th edition of this prestigious global forum, scheduled for 16th to 18th June, 2026, in Mombasa* . This landmark event will mark the first time the conference is convened on the African continent, positioning Kenya as a leader in international ocean governance. During the briefing, I highlighted significant progress across key preparatory areas and strongly emphasized the urgent need to finalize invitations for all categories of delegates to ensure broad and inclusive global participation. I underscored that hosting the Our Ocean Conference represents a pivotal milestone for Kenya's Blue Economy agenda. The event will showcase our nation's maritime potential, foster strategic partnerships, and advance commitments on marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and ocean-based economic transformation. The meeting which was chaired by Hon. Josphat Nanok @GovernorNanok , Deputy Chief of Staff and Ocean Panel Sherpa was also attended by PS @ray_omollo (Interior), @SingoeiAKorir (Foreign Affairs), @ololtuaa (Tourism),Amb Abdi Dubat @AbdiDubatF and the Technical team from the State Department for Blue Economy @Blue_Economy_F.

Mr.Samson Kidera,Coordinator L.Victoria/Western is representing the @PS_Betsy_Njagi,State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries,at the National Farmers End Year Celebrations & Awards in Kericho,themed Mkulima Kwanza Smart Agriculture for Wealth,Nutrition and Food Security

Fisheries & Blue Economy Director Dr. Davis Makila led the Kenya Delegation at the 4th & final Steering Committee of the IGAD project on enhancing the Blue Economy for biodiversity and livelihoods. Meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Assistant Director Fisheries and Blue Economy leading the Kenya Delegation during the 4th Technical Working Group of the IGAD project“Enhancing Blue Economy in the IGAD Member States for Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Diversification.”The meeting was held in Addis Ababa

Officers from the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries joined the Baringo County Gvmt,led by H.E.Benjamin Cheboi,in Mogotio to mark the belated World Aquaculture Day 2025,and opening of the Aqua Samaki Fish Hatchery. We were joined by KeFS Director for Aquaculture.

State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries hosted a Mozambique delegation at NARDTC Sagana under the ARNSA–PRODAPE–IFAD programme, focused on advancing resilient, nutrition-sensitive aquaculture and regional knowledge exchange.

The State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries through KEMFSED is upgrading fisheries infrastructure and strengthening coastal community enterprises across Kwale County, the new Mwaepe landing site is a major step towards modern, efficient, and sustainable fishing. Once complete, the site will serve as a key economic hub for the Mwaepe BMU, with facilities such as an ice flake machine, water treatment system, gear-mending shed, restaurants, fish banda, boat yard, stalls, an ablution block, and a multifunctional building boosting incomes and market access while positioning Kwale as a leader in the blue economy. @PS_Betsy_Njagi @Blue_Economy_F @StateHouseKenya 1/2

The 11th OOC Programmes Development, Side Events and Technical Sub-Committee is meeting in Naivasha to outline a roadmap for OOC commitments and review proposed session topics, in collaboration with IUCN, TNC and Wetlands International.

Today, the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries joined the rest of the country in marking Mazingira Day through a tree planting exercise held at Chuka Township Primary School, Tharaka Nithi County.

Happy Birthday @PS_Betsy_Njagi

Dr. Christine Etiegni, Deputy Director, KeFS taking the parliamentary committee Chair Hon. Marwa and team through why section 42 of the Bill is key in dealing with IUU and helping in strengthening MCS. The Committee members were shown the illegal gears impounded by the mcs team.

Our quest to position the blue economy as the new economic frontier goes hand in hand with our deepen our commitment to the conservation and sustainable stewardship of our precious ‘blue’ resources. Today, I was pleased to join H.E. @HassanAliJoho , Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs @MiBeMa_2022 for a meeting with the French Ambassador to Kenya @FranceinKenya , H.E. Arnaud Suquet, @arnaud_suquet where we reflected on the forthcoming high-level 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. Our discussion, centered on galvanizing both local and international efforts, a powerful reminder that the future of our oceans, seas and marine life depends on our collective responsibility. Protecting these vast blue expanses is not only essential for environmental balance but also for sustaining the livelihoods and dreams of coastal communities.

With a clear target to grow the Blue Economy’s GDP share from 0.6% to KSh400B, Kenya is unlocking vast ocean potential. #BlueEconomyWins and Ruto delivers with strategy and scale.

From Kwale to Kisumu, modern fish landing sites are transforming Kenya’s fisheries sector. These critical investments prove #BlueEconomyWins as President William Ruto delivers tangible improvements.

Fishing port upgrades in Liwatoni and Shimoni will unlock deep-sea potential, supporting 24 vessels and global trade. Coastal growth accelerates as #BlueEconomyWins and Ruto delivers high-impact investment.

Ports, hatcheries, cold chains, and aquaculture hubs are turning Kenya’s waters into economic powerhouses. President Ruto delivers opportunity from coast to lake. #BlueEconomyWins

From Lake Victoria to the Indian Ocean, Kenya is investing in jobs, fish farming, and infrastructure. The goal: KSh400B and inclusive growth. #BlueEconomyWins and Ruto delivers lasting impact.

The Ruto administration’s investment in the Blue Economy is not only about economic gain. It’s about dignity for fisherfolk, sustainability for the environment, and opportunity for youth. Ruto Delivers. #BlueEconomyWins

With 10 landing sites built, cage farming thriving, and NAMARET & Kabonyo leading innovation, Kenya’s waters are working. #BlueEconomyWins and President Ruto delivers a stronger, bluer economy.

From new ports to fish farming and landing sites, Kenya is scaling its marine and freshwater sectors. With jobs rising and losses falling, #BlueEconomyWins — and Ruto delivers sustainable growth nationwide.