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A multi-agency team has been put in place for the sole
purpose of improving and harnessing the blue economy in ten counties. According
to John Omingo, the Director of Trade and Investment at Kenya Maritime
Authority (KMA), a five-year plan of seeking harmonization in regards to the
blue economy has been effected.
The main focus will be fully improving lake transport
and tourism sector. In this new collaborative venture, state and non-state actors will
team up in addressing the challenges facing ecosystems in order to ensure their
sustainable use.
The plan also aims at ending unhealthy competition
between state agencies and private entities as it seeks to revive the blue
economies of Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega,
Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya and Vihiga counties.
"Currently, the blue economy
industry operates under about 10 non-standardized policies which have led to
duplication of the roles by various state agencies," Omingo said. “We
have looked at the integrated development plans of counties bordering Lake Victoria to identify interventions targeting the blue economy.
Our capacity to sustainably use the huge economic potential that lies in our
lakes has for a long time been constrained. This is part of what we want to
address."
Apart from similar ecological zones
and natural resources, the ten counties also share a lot in common when it comes to
cultural histories. These regions form
about 25 percent of Kenya’s population.
According to Omingo, Government
agencies, the private sector, academia, and development partners have teamed up
with the aim of accelerating the development of counties in the targeted regions.
Mr. Omingo also confirmed that a technical committee, which has representatives
from KMA, Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), and Lake Region Economic
Bloc (LREB), will oversee the plan.
The team also agreed to work together in the promotion of tourism, maritime education, and training, fisheries, aquaculture, cultural and aquatic sports development, trade and investment, and environmental resources management, among others.