Youth urged to utilize opportunities in blue economy sector

By Robert Mutasi 

State Department of Investment Promotion Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan has urged youths to seize the opportunities in the blue economy sector.

PS Hassan stated that youths and fishermen should not only focus on fishing but also the other numerous jobs available in the blue economy sector.

Speaking during the visit to Kenya Tropical Sea Life EPZ Limited, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Hassan noted that the sale of ornamental fish has more profit than selling fish for consumption thus urging fishermen to consider selling ornamental fish.

"It is good for fishermen to not only focus on selling fish for consumption but also selling ornamental fish for increased profits in the market. Ornamental fish can yield 20% more profit than selling fish for consumption," said PS Hassan. 

The project was in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation which sponsored the whole process. 

The Mastercard Foundation sponsored their project with 20 million dollars and will fund it for five years.

This project is expected to create more job opportunities for young people accounting for 150,000 youths. 

Kilifi County, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya and Kakamega are among the counties that will benefit from the project. 

Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro said the fishing project will not only create job opportunities but also solve the issue of food security by providing surplus food. 

"We will get food and a job at the same time," he said. 

Mung’aro appreciated Smart Farmer Africa for its immense support of 3 million dollars to ensure the blue economy is successful.