Sh650m raised as Kenya gears for blue economy event
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau updates the media regarding the forthcoming blue economy conference, during a press conference at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi, on June 20, 2018. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Kenya seeks to transform the livelihoods of people by investing in the potential of water bodies like the Indian Ocean.
Kenya has raised Sh650 million towards the High Level Sustainable Blue Economy Conference to be hosted by Nairobi from November 26 - 28.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau said he is hopeful they will reach their Sh800 million target without burdening the taxpayers.
"We are pleased that we are well on the way to raising Sh800 million for the conference and we are confident that we shall be able to raise the resources we need to undertake all the activities," he told the Nation at Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort, Mombasa, this week.
Mr Kamau explained that the conference, whose theme is The blue economy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is important because crucial issues pertaining marine welfare will be addressed.
FISHING
As such, Kenya seeks to transform the livelihoods of people by investing in the potential of water bodies like the Indian Ocean.
"We need to understand the huge potential that lies in building maritime fishing capability that can enable us enjoy the benefits of our ocean," he said, adding that fishing is one of the vital sectors that needs revamping.
He said he is optimistic that the event will be a success.
Canada has put in Sh200 million plus another Sh100 million in non-monetary contributions for the conference.
The UNDP, Capital Markets Authority, Ocean Foundation, Portugal, Norway, the United Kingdom, Fiji and South Africa have pledged financial support.
