The Vijana na Blue Economy Forum was a two-day event held at The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) which aimed at empowering coastal youth to tap into Kenya’s ocean-based opportunities.
Held on Wednesday and Thursday, October 8–9, 2025, the forum ran under the theme “Unlocking Blue Economy Opportunities” and brought together key partners including the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Ken Trade, and several local community organizations.
Opening the event on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Gichangi, TUM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Research and Extension, emphasized the need for collaboration to drive innovation, training, and research in maritime industries.
He noted that Kenya’s coastline, stretching over six hundred kilometers, holds immense potential that must be developed responsibly to create sustainable livelihoods and protect marine ecosystems. His remarks set the tone for a forum that blended academic insight with youthful enthusiasm and community-driven purpose.
Representing the Mombasa County Government, Deputy Governor Francis Thoya praised the university for hosting the forum, saying it aligns with the county’s broader agenda of job creation and economic growth through the blue economy. “The blue economy is the heartbeat of our coast. When young people understand its value, they can turn ideas into enterprises that transform lives,” he said, urging students to explore careers beyond the shoreline and embrace ocean-based entrepreneurship.
The event featured panel discussions, exhibitions, and mentorship sessions focusing on topics such as climate change adaptation, sustainable fishing, maritime logistics, plastic waste management, women’s inclusion in ocean industries, and innovation funding.
Experts from KMFRI and KMA educated students on marine research, shipping careers, and conservation, while representatives from Ken Trade and the State Department highlighted opportunities in international trade and investment along the coastline. Charles Ayacko, Coast Regional Coordinator for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, encouraged participants to leverage government and private sector programs to launch startups and innovations in marine-related sectors, reminding them that “youth must see the ocean not only as a resource but as a source of innovation and sustainable livelihoods.”
Throughout the two days, young innovators showcased creative projects in seaweed farming, eco-tourism, boat repair, and ocean waste recycling. Their energy and passion brought a human face to the discussions, showing how skills and creativity can turn challenges into opportunities. “This forum opened my eyes to opportunities I never imagined,” said Aisha Mohammed, a marine engineering student at TUM. “Now I want to start something that helps my community and protects the sea.”
By the close of the event, organizers and partners pledged to make the Vijana na Blue Economy Forum an annual platform for mentorship, investment, and collaboration, aimed at supporting youth-led enterprises and sustainable development along Kenya’s coastline. For many of the young participants, the forum was more than an event it was a wave of hope and a call to action to take charge of their future through the blue economy.
