NAIROBI, Kenya- The UN Global Compact Network Kenya has unveiled Ocean Centres Kenya, a major initiative aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and driving sustainable growth in the blue economy.
Launched in Mombasa, the initiative seeks to address growing threats to Kenya’s ocean and coastal environments, worsened by climate change and poor resource management.
More than 2 million Kenyans rely on the blue economy, with 500,000 directly employed in sectors such as fishing, maritime transport, and coastal tourism.
Despite this, the sector contributes just Sh37 billion 2.5% to the national GDP.
Experts believe that with sustainable investment and climate-smart innovation, it could grow to between Sh150 billion and KSh300 billion annually.
Ocean Centres Kenya aims to change this narrative by creating hubs for innovation, safety, and sustainable collaboration across the coastal economy.
The Centres will also tackle pressing safety concerns.
According to the Kenya Maritime Authority, over 60% of maritime incidents reported between 2018 and 2022 were preventable and linked to human error or lax safety standards.
Small-scale fishers frequently operate without basic protective gear, while port operations suffer from equipment failures and congestion.
The Centres will respond by providing safety training, distributing protective gear, and advocating for the adoption of international maritime safety standards.
“For many, the ocean is not just an abstract issue it is a source of food, identity, culture and history and the future,” said Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, Special Envoy on Maritime and Blue Economy.
“That is why Ocean Centres Kenya is not just a facility, it is a symbol of collective responsibility.”
Judy Njino, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Kenya, noted: “The private sector must step forward not just to reduce harm, but to positively shape the ocean economy.”
“The future of blue economy must not be extractive, it must be regenerative, inclusive and locally rooted,” said Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya.
Beth Elliot of Lloyd’s Register Foundation added, “Working at sea remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the world Ocean workers view climate change as a risk to their personal safety.”
The Centres will also house research, tools, and data to help businesses improve environmental performance and attract sustainable investment.
