State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries WEEKLY MEDIA REVIEW 09-01-26

Kenya Steps Up Efforts to Exploit Deep-Sea Fishing Potential in the Blue Economy
Kenya has launched a renewed drive to tap the commercial potential of its deep-sea fisheries, a sector long underexploited despite the country's extensive marine resources. The initiative, showcasing modern vessels, investors, boat manufacturers and financial institutions, is aimed at transforming fishing from near-shore subsistence activity into a commercial enterprise capable of generating significant income, jobs and food security for coastal communities and beyond. The launch of a deep-sea fishing exhibition at the Liwatoni Fisheries Complex in Mombasa marked a key moment in the government's strategy to broaden the blue economy. The event brought together stakeholders including the Kenya Fishing Industries Corporation (KFIC), financial partners, local fishermen, boat builders and community groups to explore opportunities in commercial fishing.
Source: Dawan.africa

Zanzibar to host summit against illegal fishing in South West Indian Ocean
Zanzibar is set to host a summit bringing together delegations from Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania and Zanzibar in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in South West Indian Ocean. The Blue Voices Regional Summit 2026 will commence on January 26-28 with The Jahazi Project, in partnership with Ascending Africa. Summit seeks to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in South West Indian Ocean.
Source: the-star.co.ke

NGO launches modern fish farming in Vihiga.
Fish farmers in Vihiga County have received a significant boost following the completion of two modern fish kiosks, with support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) which aim to improve market access and value addition for locally produced fish and promote fish consumption and reduce post-harvest losses in an effort to boost Kenya's low per capita fish consumption rate.
Source: KNA on X

2027
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki now says that the government aims to have the blue economy contribute at least Sh150 billion annually to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Speaking on Tuesday, Kindiki said the current administration has been deliberate in all efforts it has put in place to support the blue economy, from infrastructure to policies. He said that currently, the blue economy only contributes Sh37 billion of the GDP annually. "The Kenya Kwanza Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) Plan targets to expand the contribution of the Blue Economy value chains to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 37 billion Kenya shillings currently to 80 billion Kenya shillings annually by 2026 and thereafter to 150 billion Kenya shillings by 2027," Kindiki said. The DP spoke during an inspection visit to the Shimoni Fish Port, which is under construction.
Source: the-star.co.ke

Defining Moment for Bandari Maritime Academy: Leadership, Reform and Test of Execution
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) today stands at a crossroads that will define not only its institutional future but also Kenya's broader maritime ambitions. The call by BMA chief executive officer Dr Eric Katana for staff and trainees to embrace renewed commitment, innovation, and teamwork at the start of the 2025/2026 financial year should therefore be read as more than a routine New Year message. It is, in substance, a leadership signal issued at a moment when the academy's relevance, credibility, and performance are under sharper national and international scrutiny than ever before. As Kenya deepens its engagement with the blue economy and seeks to consolidate its position as a regional maritime hub, the burden placed on national training institutions has intensified.
Source: The Coast Media Group

Advancing Restorative Seaweed Aquaculture in Kenya: Unlocking a Blue Economy Opportunity for Coastal Communities
Along Kenya's vast coastline, an unassuming marine crop is quietly emerging as a cornerstone of the blue economy, offering a powerful solution to some of the region's most pressing challenges of climate change, declining fisheries, poverty, food security and limited livelihood options. Seaweed farming has long been practiced in the neighbouring United Republic of Tanzania, with impressive outcomes while contributing handsomely to the GDP. It is now gaining renewed attention in Kenya as stakeholders rally to unlock its full potential through best farming practices, science, policy reforms, investment, and market opportunities.
Source: Mediafonnature.org

CDA seeks coastal investments to fast-track blue economy agenda
Coast Development Authority (CDA) has called for the establishment of integrated agro-marine hubs, a sea transport network, and seaweed processing centres as part of a comprehensive blue economy investment plan for 2026. CDA Chairman Mzee Mwinyi said the initiative seeks to address long-standing infrastructure challenges facing fishermen, improve regional connectivity, and empower women involved in seaweed farming along the Kenyan coast from Vanga to Kiunga.
Source: Standardmedia.co.ke

Images (Described by Content & Placement):

1. Page 3 (Top Right) – Likely an image related to the deep-sea fishing exhibition at Liwatoni Fisheries Complex, showing modern fishing vessels or stakeholders.
2. Page 3 (Bottom) – Possibly a logo or banner for “Dawan.africa” or related media outlet.
3. Page 4 (Top Right) – Likely an image of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during his visit to Shimoni Fish Port.
4. Page 4 (Bottom) – Possibly a logo or banner for “the-star.co.ke”.
5. Page 5 (Top Right) – Likely an image related to seaweed farming or aquaculture along the Kenyan coast.
6. Page 5 (Bottom) – Possibly a logo or banner for “Mediafonnature.org”.