The government has pledged to capitalize on the untapped potential of its blue economy sector by transforming the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa.
The Principal Secretary State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Shadrack Mwadime, made the commitment on Thursday during the launch of a strategic plan for the academy.
The gazettement of the marine fisheries regulations act by the government is still pending, and this delay has caused frustration among the organizations. The act could provide job opportunities for the youth, create investment opportunities, and allow direct access to the ocean for fishing without limitations.
The organizations argue that this delay benefits other countries that have access to the Indian Ocean and effective fishing gear.
“Ocean conservation is important for me because as you clean it, other people find it clean and keep it clean as well. It is my first time participating in a beach clean-up, it is fun and I would recommend it to my friends”, said Baraka Mjomba, a scout from PCEA Makupa Academy partaking in the beach-clean up.
Blue Economy and Fisheries PS Betsy Muthoni could not account for more than Sh168 million spent on fish farmers’ training.
This came to light when she appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on March 7th 2023, led by Nominated MP John Mbadi.
The national government will release 1.4 billion shillings to compensate displaced families in Likoni to facilitate the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) construction.