Accra: The process to develop Kenyas first national Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to sustainably manage oceanic resources and promote the blue economy sector is at an advanced stage.
According to Kenya News Agency, the plan covers the countrys entire ocean space and aims to coordinate various marine uses like fishing, shipping, tourism, and energy through a public data-driven process. After a series of stakeholders engagement forums, the final MSP draft is expected to be submitted to the cabinet for approval in June 2026.
The MSP is a strategic approach to manage ocean resources sustainably by balancing economic growth with ecological preservation and is a key part of Kenyas vision for a blue economy endeavour. The planning process has reached a critical stage after the completion of public engagements with community representatives in five coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu. This was followed by a series of engagements involving Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), civil societies, private sectors, county governments, and marginalised and vulnerable groups.
Stakeholders contend that MSP can enhance the countrys capacity to manage and monitor its coastal and marine areas, leading to better enforcement of regulations, improved data collection, and more effective decision-making. They say the adoption of MSP could provide a holistic and sustainable approach to the management of coastal and marine resources leading to enhanced social wellbeing, economic prosperity, and the preservation of the fragile marine habitats.
Stakeholders also contend that Kenya, like many other coastal countries, is already grappling with the impacts of climate change, from rising sea levels to widespread coral bleaching. The Marine Spatial Planning is a forward-looking effort to boost the countrys resilience by safeguarding vital ecosystems that act as natural defences against climate threats like heatwaves, floods, sea-level rise, and ocean acidification.
“The participatory process aims to ensure the sustainable, equitable, and inclusive utilisation of Kenyas marine and coastal resources for the benefit of people and the environment,” said MSP National Secretariat Coordinator Dr Jacqueline Uku. She emphasized the real implications of the MSP for people and their livelihoods, especially in the fisheries and tourism sectors. Dr Uku added that the MSP would move Kenya towards a resilient and inclusive blue economy.
Dr Uku noted that stakeholders input was essential to developing a comprehensive marine plan to sustainably manage the use of marine spaces and provide a framework to reduce conflicts and safeguard marine ecosystems. She stated that the Marine Spatial Planning is about finding the right balance, safeguarding the marine environment while ensuring the ocean continues to support livelihoods and economic growth for posterity.
Stakeholders welcomed their inclusion in the process to develop the comprehensive MSP plan that seeks to accelerate the growth of the blue economy sector encompassing fisheries, maritime biotechnology, aquaculture, tourism, and marine transport and logistics. “This inclusive approach ensures that diverse perspectives are integrated into the plan to foster local ownership and transparency,” said Lionel Murage, Director of East Africa Representative Seacology Foundation.
Murage emphasized the importance of community engagement for the successful realization of the MSP, which will ensure a healthy balance between economic growth, environmental conservation, and social equity. Speaking during a National Stakeholders Engagement Forums at North Coast Beach Hotel in Kilifi County, Murage also called for a proper legal framework to guide the development and implementation of the plan.
Founder Director of Coastal and Marine Resource Development (COMRED) Dr Patrick Kimani welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that the involvement of community groups was critical to realizing an objective and acceptable plan. Kimani contends that participation of various stakeholders creates trust, ownership, and ensures the plan aligns with local aspirations.
The General Manager of Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi, Maureen Awour Obunga, suggested the creation of waterfront parks at riparian areas along the beaches to avoid any form of encroachment, which would create public spaces for recreational purposes and bring ecological benefits. The hotelier lauded the inclusion of all key stakeholders in the process to develop the marine spatial plan, saying this will foster transparency and ensure equitable distribution of benefits while reducing conflicts.
Dr Uku further explained the engagement with communities as part of a broader and ongoing stakeholder engagement strategy for MSP, intended to create awareness about the plan and obtain input from a wide range of community-level stakeholders to inform the planning process. She highlighted that the process, which began in 2019, has evolved from high-level boardroom engagement to bottom-up stakeholders consultations on the development plan.
The MSP, approved by the cabinet in March 2024, is spearheaded by the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries in collaboration with other stakeholders, including the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs. It is funded by the Kenya Government and the World Bank through the Kenya Maritime Fisheries Socio-economic Development (KEMFSED) project.