Fishing industry stakeholders have called on the Kenyan government to prioritize investment in the blue economy, citing underdevelopment in a sector capable of generating over Sh200 million annually.
Maj (Rtd) Mohamed Morowa, CEO of the Saedo Foundation, revealed that their initiative has identified 1,965 Mombasa residents interested in fishing and seafaring, with 123 already trained but requiring refresher courses. The foundation's efforts align with a World Bank-funded Sh1.2 billion program aimed at developing coastal livelihoods.
During a roundtable discussion on the blue economy, Vocational and Technical Training PS Kevit Desai confirmed the government's plan to train 10,000 individuals along the coast, starting with 2,000 participants in seafaring, safety, and logistics training. The program faces challenges including limited local expertise, as noted by seafarer Rauchi Hajj, who highlighted the lack of domestic fishing courses and the need to travel to Tanzania for certification.
Saedo Foundation chairman Amir Thoya emphasized that fishing requires specialized skills, countering perceptions that it is an unskilled occupation. The initiative underscores growing demands for structured training and modern equipment to unlock the industry's potential.
