By Reporter
The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, officially commissioned the first Marine Hatchery, Kibuyuni Seaweed Processing Centre and the Gasi landing site in Kwale County, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s blue economy agenda.
He was accompanied by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani,Principal Secretaries from the State Departments for Mining Harry Kimutai and Blue Economy Betsy Njagi, Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito ,Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Msambweni MP Feisal Bader and MCAs from Pongwe and Ramisi.
CS Joho hailed the projects as key drivers of sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
“These investments represent the future of coastal prosperity,” said CS Joho. “By combining innovation with empowerment, we are transforming marine resources into a reliable source of jobs, food, and income.”
The two facilities are part of the National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre (NAMARET) initiative, a strategic program under the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs designed to strengthen marine aquaculture through research, training, and community-based development.
Developed in close partnership with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI), the marine hatchery will supply fingerlings and aquatic species to fish farmers, while the Kibuyuni Seaweed Processing Centre will enable local groups to create value-added seaweed products such as soaps, lotions, and seaweed powder/ flour.
“The blue economy is no longer a future idea, it is today’s opportunity, by investing in infrastructure, research, and local entrepreneurship through NAMARET, we are securing sustainable livelihoods while preserving our marine ecosystems, ”added CS Joho.
On her part, Governor Fatuma Achani emphasized that the county government is committed to unlocking the full potential of marine resources through grassroots empowerment and strategic investment.
“The ocean is our county’s greatest asset. With facilities like this, our people can harness its full potential,”she said.
“We are not just talking about empowerment, we are making it real through programs that give tools, training, and opportunities directly to the people,” Achani added.
She highlighted county support for 21 active seaweed farming groups and the distribution of 13 fiberglass boats to enhance harvesting, transport, and income generation.
Fatuma Mohammed, Chairperson of the Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers’ Cooperative, welcomed the government’s support, “This centre allows us to process our seaweed locally and increase our earnings. Women here are now able to take care of their families with dignity.”
CS Joho and the delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the blue economy a central pillar of both national and county development.
Through the NAMARET framework, long-term plans include, Scaling aquaculture and seaweed farming initiatives, strengthening marine value chains, supporting women and youth cooperatives, finalizing critical infrastructure such as the Shimoni Port, which will boost coastal trade and open new market access for marine products.
With the commissioning of these flagship NAMARET projects, Kwale County, backed by KEMFRI research and national leadership is charting a course toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous coastal economy.
