By Allan Kai
The third edition of the Blue Economy Investment and Innovation Summit commenced yesterday at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa, Kenya. The highly anticipated three-day event was officially launched with keynote addresses from the Slovakian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Katarina Leligdonova, the EU Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Henriette Geiger, the Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Geoffrey Kaituko, and many more.
Delegates listen in on the keynote address by PS Geoferey Kaituko during the launch of the three-day Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit organized by Sote Hub, in Mombasa.Photo: Ali Mzee
The summit has brought together leading industry professionals, policymakers, and experts in ocean-related fields, focusing on blue investment, blue tech, and climate change. Participants from diverse ocean-based industries, including entrepreneurs, government officials, and investors, gather to exchange knowledge and explore potential collaborations.
A key highlight of the opening day was the launching of a UK-funded report on the Baseline Survey of the Inland Water Blue Economy in Kenya. The report was unveiled by Dr. Ed Barnett MBE, the Deputy British High Commissioner, alongside other high-profile dignitaries, including PS Maritime Geoffrey Kaituko, European Ambassador Henriette Geiger, Slovakian Ambassador Katarina Leligdonova, Netherlands Ambassador H.E. Henkjan Bakker, Norwegian Ambassador H.E. Gunnar Andreas Holm, and Sote Hub Director, David Oginga.
Norweigian Ambassador H.E. Gunnar Andreas Holm, H.E. Katarina Leligdonova, H.E. Henriette Geiger, P.S. Geoffrey Kaituko, and H.E. Dr. Ed Barnett MBE during the launch of the report on the Baseline Survey of the Inland Water Blue Economy in Kenya. Photo: Ali Mzee
This report provides essential insights into the country's inland water resources and identifies opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
In his address, Geoffrey Kaituko emphasized the Kenyan government's commitment to the blue economy, stating, "The State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs has conceptualized the Maritime Spatial Plan, which is geared to bring orderliness and use of maritime resources in the Inland Waterways and the Indian Ocean to promote the use and sustainability of marine ecosystems for Kenya's socio-economic development. It will reduce user conflicts associated with competing factors for those who depend on this space for their livelihoods."
The summit also featured a presentation by Kris Ansin, County Director of TechnoServe Kenya, who introduced the BlueBiz Program. Aiming to reach 15,000 young entrepreneurs along Kenya's coast, the initiative focuses on building essential skills, improving financial literacy, creating market linkages, and fostering leadership.
Kris Ansin, County Director of TechnoServe Kenya talking about the Blue Biz Program. Photo: Ali Mzee.
"The future of the Blue Economy lies in the hands of our youth, and BlueBiz is here to equip them with the tools for success," Ansin said.
Halima Shaaban, National Coordinator of Schools2030 Kenya with the Aga Khan Foundation, highlighted the importance of climate education in her remarks: "Climate education is not just about understanding the environmental crisis, but about developing innovative, sustainable solutions that will drive growth while preserving our planet. It is why investing in climate and innovation is no longer optional; it's critical."
Young ocean startup entrepreneurs, including Sea Earth Organics, My Fish Tanzania, Mega Gas, and others, pitched their innovative ideas to potential investors during the event. It allowed them to engage directly with experts and industry leaders, fostering potential collaborations and opening doors for future growth in the blue economy.
The event continues over the next two days, with additional discussions and collaborations expected in blue economy investment, technological innovation, and climate change adaptation.
