Go Blue – Project to strengthen maritime security in Kenya

The Indian Ocean offers Kenya an enormous economic potential of marine resources, such as fishing, aquaculture, coastal and marine tourism, as well as research activities. Yet, these opportunities are not fully exploited.

In order to develop its blue economy, Kenya needs to fight against illegal maritime activities to help create a wealth of new income-generating activities and opportunities for the coastal communities. This objective will only be reach through a multi-stakeholder approach whereby all Kenyan actors (including the judiciary, legislative, private sector, civil society and local communities) work hand in hand to respond to maritime safety and security challenges.

In September 2018, Kenya established its coast guard service as a first step to actively combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in its territorial waters as well as to take measures to enhance security and safety of seafarers in collective waters.

The Go Blue project was created in this context to address maritime safety and security challenges in Kenya and thereby contribute to further develop and expand a sustainable thriving blue economy across the country.

While advocating and encouraging all Kenyan maritime agencies to work and collaborate together effectively, the Go Blue maritime security project will assist the country in the development and implementation of its maritime strategy. The project will also strengthen the capacity of the Kenya Coast Guard Service and other national and regional agencies involved in maritime security, by fostering a culture of information exchange, cooperation and collaboration.

In addition, the Go Blue project will assist Kenya with developing strong legal instruments and regulatory frameworks to address maritime threats and implement maritime law enforcement in the country. Overall, facilitating bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries and enhancing regional cooperation in the area of maritime security is one of the key components of the Go Blue maritime security project in Kenya.

Visit the project's website: www.goblue.co.ke/