Counties have been asked to fully utilise the untapped areas of the multi-billion shilling blue economy sector.

Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the sector’s potential is estimated at over Sh100 billion in annual revenue but only generates about Sh4.2 million which he said is a small percentage compared to the land mass the region commands.

The CS said the blue economy is not fully utilised, saying 2019 data shows that the total fish landings per year were 24,580 tonnes valued at Sh5 billion, translating to eight per cent of the marine potential.

“If you look at the potential landing of 300,000 tonnes which translates to 100 billion, that means we need to work hard as counties to reach that figure, I want to urge county governments to set specific units for the blue economy,” said Mvurya.

Induction workshop

Mvurya made the remark while speaking in Mombasa during the official opening of an induction workshop bringing together Agriculture County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers.

He said the government is also establishing fish landing sites in Lake Victoria and along the coast to ensure fishing is made easier as part of its commitment to empowering fishermen to generate more revenue.

Council of Governors Agriculture chair Ken Lusaka said governors and the central government should harmoniously work to deliver the best for the government. Lusaka who is the Bungoma Governor challenged counties to direct 10 per cent of their budgets to agriculture in line with the Maputo declaration.