Kenya on Wednesday struck a significant milestone in its bid to unlock the potential of its blue economy with the commissioning of the country’s first National Marine Hatchery at the National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre (NAMARET) in Shimoni, Kwale County.
Speaking during the commissioning, Cabinet Secretary for Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, described the state-of-the-art hatchery as a game-changer that will address the fish seed gap, promote mariculture, and transform coastal livelihoods.
The centre will comprise, Laboratories, an auditorium with a capacity of 400 people, and a hatchery facility dedicated to providing quality seed and feed.
“This state-of-the-art hatchery is a game-changer,” said the CS. “It is set to bridge the fish seed gap, boost mariculture and uplift livelihoods of communities along the coastal region by providing high-quality fish seed to local farmers,”
The facility is expected to empower thousands of small-scale mariculture farmers, enhance food security, and support Kenya’s growing blue economy as a vital pillar of national development.
CS Joho also met with the Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers, commending their resilience and innovation. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to initiatives that will strengthen local enterprises.
“We exchanged ideas on how we can scale up seaweed farming through stronger partnerships with the Ministry. Their passion and innovation are truly inspiring,” he noted.
CS Joho was accompanied by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito, Principal Secretaries Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy and Fisheries) and Harry Kimtai (Mining), as well as Prof. Dickson Andala, CEO of the National Research Fund, and other national and county leaders.
