The Coast Development Authority (CDA) has unveiled an ambitious blueprint to transform Kenya’s coastline into an economic powerhouse, calling for massive private sector investment in integrated agro-marine hubs.

The plan seeks to move beyond the traditional "sun and sand" tourism model, tapping into the multi-billion shilling potential of the blue economy. Central to this vision is the establishment of seaweed processing plants, cold storage facilities for deep-sea fishing, and a dedicated sea transport network to link the coastal counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu.

Beyond Tourism

CDA Managing Director Dr. Mohamed Keinan emphasized that the ocean is Kenya’s "next frontier." Currently, Kenya loses billions annually to illegal foreign trawlers because local fishermen lack the capacity to harvest deep-sea tuna.

• Seaweed Gold: In Kwale, women’s groups are already farming seaweed for export to Asia. The proposed hubs would add value locally, producing cosmetics and fertilizers instead of exporting raw material.
• Transport Network: A functional ferry and water bus system would decongest the Mombasa-Malindi highway and open up new markets for farmers in the hinterland.
• Job Creation: The project targets creating 50,000 jobs by 2030, directly addressing the high youth unemployment rates in the coastal region.

The Investment Gap

While the vision is grand, the challenge remains capital. The CDA is pitching to public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fund the infrastructure. For investors, the returns on blue economy projects are high, but so are the initial risks. If successful, this could finally unlock the sleeping giant of the Indian Ocean.