Kenya is stepping up efforts to safeguard its vast ocean wealth through Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) – a key tool for balancing conservation with economic growth in marine and coastal resources.

Deputy Head of the Public Service Amos Gathecha explained that MSP will be central to unlocking opportunities in fisheries, maritime transport, tourism and biodiversity conservation sectors that hold huge potential for job creation and national development.

Speaking at Harambee House, Nairobi, during a meeting with senior officials and representatives from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Gathecha underlined the government’s commitment to advancing the blue economy in line with Vision 2030 and African Union Agenda 2063.

“Without effective monitoring and enforcement, Kenya’s fisheries economy will struggle to exploit its full potential, thus threatening food security, the national economy and community livelihoods,” he warned.

Kenya is now positioning itself to achieve 100 per cent transparency and compliance in all industrial fishing vessels by 2030 through the adoption of Electronic Monitoring (EM) systems. These systems, equipped with on-board cameras, GPS and sensors, will supplement human observer programmes to strengthen surveillance, enhance transparency and secure access to international markets.

With Kenya’s industrial fleet expanding, EM technology is expected to boost fisheries monitoring, provide faster communication and ensure global compliance standards.

Gathecha further noted that MSP will not only balance economic growth with environmental protection, but also strengthen food security, national resilience and tourism attractiveness by safeguarding marine biodiversity.

Kenya aims to complete the MSP planning phase and begin implementation by December 2026 in line with global targets to protect 30 per cent of ocean space.

Currently, less than one per cent of Kenya’s ocean waters fall under marine protection, underscoring the urgency of accelerating conservation and management efforts.

“Protecting marine animals not only preserves the ecosystem but also enhances Kenya’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination,” Gathecha said.

The initiative is expected to drive sustainable ocean management by creating wealth and opportunities for communities, while ensuring the long-term health of Kenya’s marine resources.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Jacqueline Adyang