KCB @KCBInKenya has launched its Sustainability Bond Framework, targeting KES 300 billion in financing over the next five years, with the first KES 100 billion tranche set for 2026.
What stands out is the dedicated focus on the Blue Economy as a distinct investment category alongside Green Assets and Social Initiatives. This is more than a financing framework,it is a recognition of the Blue Economy as a critical driver of Kenya’s and Africa’s sustainable development.
The growing investment in our oceans, fisheries and other blue economy opportunities signals a sector with immense potential to create jobs, unlock livelihoods and drive inclusive economic growth.
The launch brought together KCB Group CEO Paul Russo @Saagite , KCB Bank MD Annastacia Kimtai @Annastacia_K , NSE CEO Frank Mwiti @frank_mwiti , and KCB Group Head of Sustainable Finance Eric Naivasha.
Held a high-level consultative meeting with a technical delegation advocating for the establishment of the proposed Bumbe University of Marine Technology. The delegation was led by Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo @JosephineOjiam3
Our discussions focused on how the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries can partner with relevant stakeholders to champion the upgrading and transition of Bumbe National Polytechnic into a specialised university dedicated to marine science and technology.
The proposed institution would play a critical role in strengthening maritime skills development, expanding aquaculture training infrastructure and supporting the growth of Kenya’s blue economy, particularly around Lake Victoria.
Today, I had the privilege of joining the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hon. @HassanAliJoho , during a high-level meeting with H.E. Saad Abdullah Alnofaia, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Kenya @KSAembassyKE.
Our discussions centred on strengthening collaboration in the Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs sectors, with a strong focus on unlocking new opportunities in investment, technology transfer, capacity building, knowledge exchange and the sustainable utilization of our ocean resources.
These engagements reflect our shared commitment to fostering innovation, creating jobs and advancing sustainable economic growth for the mutual benefit of Kenya and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
As Kenya continues to position the Blue Economy as a key pillar of national development, strategic partnerships such as these will play a vital role in accelerating investment, promoting value addition and unlocking the immense potential of our maritime sector.
The meeting was also attended by my colleague Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, @ps_adenmillah.
I was delighted to host H.E. Saad Abdullah Alnofaia, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Kenya, who paid me a courtesy call at my office in Nairobi.
During the meeting, we exchanged views on strengthening collaboration in the strategic sectors of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs. We explored opportunities to deepen partnerships through knowledge exchange, investment, technology transfer and sustainable resource development for the mutual benefit of our two countries.
Also in attendance were Principal Secretaries Ms. @PS_Betsy_Njagi (Blue Economy and Fisheries) and Mr. @ps_adenmillah (Maritime Affairs and Shipping).
Met with Ms. Joyce Gachugi Waweru @JoyceGachugi Chief Executive Officer of PAKPRO @PAKPROKenya , to deliberate on collaborative efforts in tackling marine pollution and strengthening the protection of our marine ecosystems particularly in the urgent fight against plastic waste. Our discussions centered on aligning institutional strategies to curb the flow of plastics into the ocean, a transboundary challenge that demands coordinated, multi sectoral action.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore how PAKPRO’s work in packaging stewardship, circular economy solutions, and industry engagement can complement the objectives of the Eleventh Our Ocean Conference @OurOceanOOC, scheduled for 16th to 18th June 2026 in Mombasa. We considered how PAKPRO can meaningfully contribute to the marine pollution plenary by bringing industry perspectives on reducing single-use plastics, strengthening waste collection systems, and advancing recyclability standards.
We agreed to extend this collaboration beyond the Conference by working towards a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize joint initiatives in marine plastic pollution, research and data sharing, public awareness, and policy advocacy. This partnership will reinforce Kenya’s leadership in regional and global efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems and advance a cleaner, healthier ocean for present and future generations.
Met with senior leadership of Diamond Trust Bank @DTBKenya , led by Murali Natarajan, to explore partnerships ahead of Kenya hosting the Our Ocean Conference 2026 @OurOceanOOC
We discussed leveraging private sector investment to advance the blue economy, with DTB identified as a key strategic partner for both the Conference and long-term initiatives. I welcomed the Bank’s strong sustainability track record, including support for mangrove restoration, and its commitment to collaborate with Government in driving inclusive, sustainable growth.
Further technical engagements will define specific areas of partnership before, during, and after the Conference.
Today, I held a meeting with a delegation from FSD Africa, led by Ms. Dorothy Maseke, Lead of Nature Finance and Head of the Secretariat for the African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA).
We discussed how FSD Africa can align its nature-based financial initiatives with our national priorities an approach that will strengthen our strategic partnership and accelerate the development of sustainable financing mechanisms within the maritime sector.
Furthermore, we reviewed our ongoing collaboration on the Our Ocean Conference 11 (OOC 11) @OurOceanOOC,ensuring that financial sustainability remains central to our global ocean commitments as we continue to foster an enabling environment for impactful partnerships.
Today I convened a consultative meeting with all staff of the State Department to foster open engagement and strengthen collaboration across all levels of the institution. The session provided an important platform for interaction between staff and the Department’s leadership, where we candidly discussed the opportunities and challenges encountered in delivering quality services to the public.
I reaffirmed my commitment, together with that of the leadership team, to support all officers in executing their responsibilities effectively and to continuously create an enabling work environment that promotes efficiency and accountability.
During the meeting, I also signed Performance Contracts with all Heads of Department. The cascaded contracts are designed to align departmental activities with the State Department’s strategic objectives, while strengthening accountability by linking institutional outcomes to individual performance.
I commend the Department for its performance over the past three quarters and have directed all Heads of Department to fast-track the implementation of any lagging activities as we move into the final quarter of the financial year.
Held a strategic meeting with David Nyamu, General Manager Sovereign and Public Sector at KCB Group @kcbgroup , to explore opportunities for collaboration and strengthen support for the Blue Economy.
Our discussions focused on deepening partnerships, unlocking innovative financing solutions, and advancing sustainable growth across the Blue Economy and Fisheries sector. The meeting was also attended by officers from the State Department and Eric Naivasha, Head of Sustainable Finance at KCB.
As part of ongoing stakeholder engagement, I held discussions with Mr. Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation @SafaricomFDN on leveraging strategic partnerships to support the growth of the blue economy and fisheries sector.
Our engagement explored and deliberated on how to harness the Foundation's four pillars on education, health, economic empowerme t and environment to spur the blue economy and fisheries potential in the Country.
I also extended an invitation for the Foundation to collaborate and actively participate in the upcoming 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference @OurOceanOOC this June, as we continue to build momentum towards meaningful, long-term partnerships.
Had the privilege of hosting a delegation from the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), @AECFAfrica led by CEO Victoria Sabula @VictoriaSabula.
During the meeting, and on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Mining Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs @MiBeMa_2022 , H.E. @HassanAliJoho we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the fields of the Blue Economy, fisheries, and aquaculture between the Ministry of Mining Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs—through the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries @Blue_Economy_F and AECF.
The MoU establishes a framework through which both parties will facilitate and promote collaboration in key priority areas, with the aim of identifying joint programmes and projects of mutual interest, particularly those that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the sector.
Earlier today, AECF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kenya’s Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, marking a step forward in strengthening collaboration in the country’s blue economy.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony hosted by @PS_Betsy_Njagi, Principal Secretary in the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries @Blue_Economy_F. This builds on our Investing in Women in the Blue Economy in Kenya programme and sets a clear direction for our joint efforts, focusing on sectors that can unlock opportunity, strengthen enterprises, and drive growth across Kenya's blue economy value chains.
During the ceremony, the Ministry recognized AECF’s contribution to advancing women-led businesses, including efforts to improve market access and address persistent barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and the communities they support. @HassanAliJoho@ForeignOfficeKE
Addressed Kenya’s Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Consuls-General at the 19th Ambassadors Conference on Opportunities in the Oceans and Blue Economy at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi.
I emphasized that the oceans and the Blue Economy remain a key pillar of Kenya’s foreign policy, underscoring their strategic role in advancing national interests.
Also took the opportunity to present the newly launched National Blue Economy Strategy 2025–2030 highlighting the bankable investment opportunities identified within the framework, and urging envoys to champion these opportunities and actively promote investment in the sector.
I was accompanied by the team from the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries @Blue_Economy_F Dr. Davies Makilla, Director of Fisheries and Blue Economy; Dr. Paul Orina, Director General of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute @KmfriResearch ; and Ms. Daisy Muriuki, Ag. Director General of the Kenya Fisheries Service @kefs_kenya .
Today I held a meeting with Ms. Susan Otieno, the Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation.
The meeting explored and deliberated on how to harness the Foundation reach to spur the blue economy and fisheries potential in the Country.
I also took the opportunity to extend the invitation of Aga Khan Foundation collaboration and participation in the forthcoming Eleven Edition of Our Ocean Conference in June this year.