With Kenya’s ocean and coastal ecosystems facing numerous threats driven by climate change and unsustainable practices, UN Global Compact Network Kenya has launched Ocean Centres Kenya, a progressive initiative to protect marine ecosystems, strengthen coastal resilience, and catalyze sustainable blue economy growth.
This timely launch comes as over 2 million Kenyans depend on the blue economy, with 500,000 directly employed in key sectors such as fisheries, maritime transport, and coastal tourism.
Yet despite its vast potential, the sector currently contributes only KSh 37 billion, or 2.5%, to Kenya’s GDP. Experts project that with enhanced investment in sustainability and climate-smart solutions, this figure could grow to between KSh 150 billion and KSh 300 billion annually.
Ocean Centres Kenya seeks to drive this transformation by offering a hub for knowledge sharing, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, positioning the ocean economy as a cornerstone of Kenya’s sustainable development and climate action agenda.
Importantly, the Ocean Centres will also prioritize enhancing ocean safety and disaster preparedness. According to the Kenya Maritime Authority, over 60% of reported maritime incidents between 2018 and 2022 were linked to preventable human error and lack of enforcement of safety protocols.
Conditions in key sectors such as ports, fisheries, and aquaculture continue to hinder productivity, endanger lives, and compromise environmental protection. Small-scale fishers often operate without life-saving gear, while port operations face frequent equipment failures and congestion-related hazards.
To address these risks, the Centres will promote safety training, access to protective gear for fishers, and support the implementation of international maritime safety standards — contributing to safer seas and more secure livelihoods.
Anchored in the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Ocean Centres will act as localized platforms to build awareness, strengthen capacity, and mobilize responsible business action to protect marine resources. These centres will engage the private sector, local communities, academia, and government agencies to co-create solutions to the pressing challenges threatening Kenya’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, Special Envoy and Advisor on Maritime and Blue Economy, Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Kenya, noted: “For many, the ocean is not just an abstract issue – it is a source of food, identity, culture and history – and the future. That is why Ocean Centres Kenya is not just a facility, it is a symbol of collective responsibility, a platform where knowledge meets action.”
Judy Njino, Executive Director, Global Compact Network Kenya, in her address said: “The private sector must step forward not just to reduce harm, but to positively shape the ocean economy. In Kenya, the blue economy holds tremendous potential for jobs, trade, innovation, and food security. But this potential will only be realized if we embed safety, equity, and sustainability at the core of all ocean-related activity.”
Hon. Francis Thoya, Deputy Governor, Mombasa County, emphasized the critical role of the private sector in advancing ocean stewardship, saying: “The future of blue economy must not be extractive, it must be regenerative, inclusive and locally rooted. The Ocean demands that we think and act globally while responding locally and in Mombasa, we are committed to restoring a healthy and respectful relationship with the ocean.”
Beth Elliot, Director of Strategic Communications, Lloyd’s Register Foundation, added: “Working at sea remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Globally, three times as many ocean workers say work-related accidents are the greatest source of daily risks in their lives compared to workers in other sectors. And almost three times as many ocean workers view climate change as a risk to their personal safety compared to workers in other industries.”
The Ocean Centres will also serve as a repository of best practices, research, and tools to help businesses measure and improve their environmental impact, particularly in high-risk and high-impact coastal zones. Through strategic partnerships with local and international actors, the Centres aim to scale impact, enhance risk preparedness, and attract investment into innovative blue economy solutions.