The call to integrate inland communities into Kenya’s blue economy conversation took center stage during the World Oceans Day Stakeholder Breakfast Roundtable in Mombasa, as experts urged for broader public participation in ocean governance.
According to Kilindini Campaign spokesperson Tendai Mtana, Africa must expand its engagement beyond port cities and beachfront tourism, ensuring communities up to 100km inland understand their stake in ocean resources.
“We need to move the conversation beyond the shoreline. People must know what’s happening between 12 to 200 nautical miles from the coast, and how they can benefit from and protect those resources,” Mtana said.
He challenged policymakers to shift the ocean narrative from one of technical and foreign-led language to one driven by local ownership and dignity.
“For decades, our role has been passive. Now, we must localize the language, goals, and policies to fit our African context,” he added.
Gladys Mnjama, from Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, noted that despite years of blue economy dialogue, few locals are meaningfully involved in the maritime sector.
“Most coastal youth work in support roles like chefs and waiters on cruise ships. But where are our engineers, captains, marine logistics experts? We must reimagine participation,” she said.
Mnjama emphasized the need to develop an education pipeline that trains youth for high-skill roles and empowers coastal residents to be entrepreneurs rather than employees.
“Our fishermen should own boats and fleets, not just catch fish. That’s how we build resilience and wealth locally,” she added.
Speakers also highlighted the lack of inclusion in seafaring, fisheries management, and policymaking forums.
Mtana added that without true representation from communities along the ocean and beyond, Africa risks remaining on the sidelines of a blue economy it geographically dominates.
“Until every village from Bagamoyo to Djibouti can say they have a stake in the ocean, the agenda will remain external and ineffective,” he warned.
The Kilindini Campaign is currently working to document community voices, challenges, and priorities, aiming to create a grassroots-driven framework for the region’s ocean agenda.