Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is keen and excited on tapping into the Blue Economy through the development of small ports in the lake region.
Reportedly, the Kenyan Authority that accepts vessels, is currently developing feeder ports including Sio, Homabay, Sena and Kendu Bay piers to enhance movement of cargo and passenger transport.
Being on a tour of the facilities, Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) – Capt. William Ruto engaged the Governor of Busia County – Dr. Paul Otuoma considering the plans of the authority to rehabilitate the small ports and piers.
Governor Otuoma noted that the opportunities which were offered by the lake transportation model, particularly its potential to create more jobs for the local communities.
Considering this, Capt. William Ruto stated that nearly 85% of transit cargo flowed through the Busia border that serves East and Central Africa and highlighted the demand for safer and quicker lake transport options.
As per the sources, the development of small ports is part of a strategy by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), to improve maritime infrastructure in the area. All in whole, these major initiatives are set to enhance the transportation and also breathe new life into the economic activities around the Lake Victoria.
Kenya Blue Economy
Blue Economy of Kenya is a collection of maritime resources that can be used to create economic growth, jobs and food security. It includes fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport as well as tourism and renewable energy.
Kenya Blue Economy and its Kinds
Blue Economy of Kenya is classified into different resources, such as:
- Living Resources: Capture fisheries, aquaculture, mangroves, corals, seagrasses, seaweeds and Artemia.
- Non-living Resources: Marine minerals like salt, offshore oil and gas
- Renewable Resources: Wind energy, tidal energy, solar energy and blue biotechnology
- Trade and Commerce: Tourism, shipping, maritime transport and ports
Goals
Kenya Blue Economy holds a special aim to achieve. It’s objective is to create jobs, increase GDP growth, Protect coastal eco-systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Go Blue Project
Go Blue Project is a joint initiative. The idea was decided in order to advance the blue Economy agenda across all six counties situated in coastal regions of Kenya with support of the European Union, majorly in Lamu, Mombasa, Kwale, Klifi, Taita Taveta and Tana River.
The project has been commenced after receiving the amount of €25 Million, with a commitment of completing it in a period of 4 years. The project has been brought into work in association with the four member states agencies from Germany, Italy, Portugal and France.
They also partnered with two United Nations agencies – UN-Habitat and UNEP, who believes in putting specific components of the project in collaboration with the counties. Along with the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) Secretariat and other relevant national government ministries, departments and agencies.
The Go Blue Project aims to conquer important coastal and marine resources to achieve a sustainable blue economy and bring jobs for more than 3000 youth and women.