Cabinet Secretary nominee for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs ministry Hassan Joho has revealed his first assignment should he be approved by the Parliament Committee on Appointment.

Speaking on Sunday, August 4, 2024, Joho noted that the blue economy in Kenya had the potential to become a major economic frontier.

“I want to be a cabinet secretary that listens,” Joho told the committee.

He observed that his first assignment would be to create confidence in investors to ensure that the contribution of his docket to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increases from below one per cent.

Additionally, the nominee noted that he would conduct a human resource and technological audit in the Ministry and relook into the policies to make them attractive to investors.

Hassan Ali Joho: If I am approved, I will hit the ground running and it shall not be business as usual. We need to realign policies that conform to the needs of our people.#K24Siasa pic.twitter.com/h2QW4BDzSe

— K24 TV (@K24Tv) August 4, 2024

Joho noted that the global demand for seafarers was 1.9 million and that only 4,000 Kenyans are getting into the industry through employment.

He also promised to improve the training of seafarers and implement a redesigned program which responds to the industry’s needs.

He lamented that the Kenyan seafarers lacked sea time, making them disadvantaged in the job markets abroad and in the region.

On the fishing industry, Joho noted that he would embark on a training program which will target the fisherfolk in the country.

“Why we don’t export our fish very well is because we do not consolidate our catch,” Joho noted.

The former Mombasa governor said that he would train the fisherfolk on processing, basic business skills, storage trends and value-addition to the fish.

Joho boasts of credentials

Joho boasted about his record as governor, stating that he could replicate some of his successes in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.

“The record speaks for itself of what I was able to achieve in Mombasa on matters health, basic infrastructure, early childhood and social programs,” Joho said.

He said that his academic and leadership qualifications accord him the necessary skills to handle the Ministry.

The nominee said he served two terms as governor of Mombasa County, Assistant Minister for Transport during the third president- Mwai Kibaki era and an MP for Kisauni.

He also noted that he was currently pursuing a degree at the Harvard -Kennedy School of Government, had another degree from Gretsa University in Thika and his first degree from Kampala University in 2013.

He also added that his experience as a businessman would greatly come in handy in managing the demands of the job at the Ministry.