By Alloys Musyoka
The United Nations is set to roll out a land mark United Nations programme advancing gender-responsive and sustainable Blue Economy development in the coastal region.
This is after Kwale governor Fatuma Achani on Monday hosted a high-level delegation from UN Women led by Deputy Country Representative to Kenya, Mr. Dan Bazira.
The UN-Women delegation has commended Kwale’s longstanding collaboration with the UN and highlighted successful past initiatives, including the Women, Peace and Security Project with HURIA, World Vision’s SHIELD programme, and NCCK’s Wadada wa Pawa initiative.
Putting Kwale county in good books with global partners on matters collaboration and use of public funds.
The four-year joint initiative “Enabling Gender-Responsive Circular and Sustainable Blue Economies for Kenya’s Coastal Communities” is funded by the Government of Canada through the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) and implemented by UN Women in partnership with FAO, UNIDO, and UNEP in Kwale and Lamu counties.
The programme focuses on integrating circular business models, strengthening financial innovation, restoring coastal ecosystems through nature-based solutions, and addressing social and gender norms affecting coastal and inland water-dependent communities.
In Kwale, UN Women will work with Hand in Hand East Africa in Tsunza, Kinango Sub-county, Ukunda in Msambweni Sub-county and Shimoni in Lunga Sub-county, as the implementing partner to ensure gender is strengthened across all interventions.
Kwale’s prioritization under the new programme stems from its strategic coastal position and proven commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusive economic development.
Governor Achani welcomed the delegation, reaffirming her administration’s strong commitment to empowering women and youth.
“Kwale County is fully committed to building an inclusive economy where women and young people are at the centre of transformation,” she said.
Through targeted empowerment programmes, Achani said that her administration has already facilitated the formation of over 300 registered women and youth companies.
The groups she said are now actively engaging in procurement, enterprise development, and value addition, contributing directly to our county’s economic growth.”
Achani added that the new initiative aligns with Kwale’s vision for sustainable development.
“We embrace this partnership with the United Nations because it strengthens our efforts in the Blue Economy, gender equality, and community resilience. My government will continue creating an enabling environment where women, youth, and persons with disabilities can thrive and participate meaningfully in economic activities.”added governor Achani.
The Joint Programme will address three key result areas: Development of gender-responsive financing mechanisms and digital innovation, Strengthening of policies and institutional frameworks for ecosystem restoration and Skills enhancement for inclusive green jobs, circular enterprises, and access to high-value markets.
The UN Women team invited the Governor to three engagements scheduled this week: the Gender Sector Working Group meeting on December 2, the GBA+ Validation Workshop on December 3, and the Programme Technical Committee meeting on December 4.
Mr. Dan Bazira expressed deep appreciation for the strong leadership demonstrated by the county.
“Kwale continues to stand out as a county where gender equality is not just spoken about, it is practiced and prioritized, we value the Governor’s leadership and commitment to empowering women and youth. This partnership will build on the great progress already made and ensure that coastal communities benefit from a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy.”
He further affirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the domestication of key national gender policies and strengthening the capacity of county institutions.
The programme intends to empower 1,000 beneficiaries-70% women and 30% youth-to engage in sustainable Blue and Circular Economy value chains, while also addressing harmful gender norms that hinder equal participation.
Governor Achani reiterated her readiness to support the programme’s implementation.
