President William Ruto has unveiled a new strategy involving youths which seeks to boost the Blue Economy in Kilifi County.

Speaking during a visit to Kilifi County on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Ruto revealed that the government seeks to provide at least Ksh983 million to Kilifi residents.

On his part, the Head of State described the government’s contribution in providing one hundred boats to at least two hundred and 78 groups within Kilifi in a move to boost the blue economy in the region.

While explaining the government’s contribution to the blue economy in Kilifi, Ruto further pledged his commitment towards running an inclusive government.

“To strengthen the blue economy, we have provided young people with more than 100 boats and disbursed KSh983 million to 278 groups in Kilifi. Addressed residents of Malindi town, Kilifi County, and pledged our continued commitment to running an inclusive government that leaves no one behind,” Ruto said.

On the other hand, Ruto also announced a Ksh21 billion investment plan in place for Kilifi County in what he described as programmes and policies changing communities.

According to Ruto, the Ksh21 billion has been invested in the construction of more than 8,000 affordable housing units and 12 modern markets.

He also added that other programmes include hostels that will accommodate 4,300 college and university students in the county.

“We are transforming Kilifi County through programmes and policies that are changing the lives of the people. In total, KSh21 billion has been invested in the construction of more than 8,000 affordable housing units, 12 modern markets, and hostels that will accommodate 4,300 college and university students in the county,” Ruto added.

Ruto hands Ksh160 million in Malindi

His remarks on the Blue Economy come at a time when he presided over the disbursement of Sh160 million Nyota Business Start-Up Capital Grants in Malindi, Kilifi County.

More than 5,000 youth from Lamu, Kilifi and Tana River counties received the cash to start their businesses.

According to reports, Kilifi leads with 35 wards, followed by Tana River with 15 and Lamu with 10.

Meanwhile, within the Nyota Programmed, each beneficiary will pocket at least Ksh50,000 in two phases. In the first round, they get Ksh25,000, with Ksh22,000 sent directly to their Pochi la Biashara accounts to support immediate business operations and Sh3,000 deposited into a Haba na Haba savings account managed by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

The second phase will see them receive another Ksh25,000.

The grants come after the youth successfully completed a four-day business skills training programme, designed to equip them with practical knowledge on how to start and grow enterprises.