Executive Overview
When you think of Kenya, what comes to mind? Safaris? The Rift Valley? World-class runners? Now add one more, the “Blue Economy.”
With approximately 600 kilometers of the Indian Ocean coastline and Africa’s largest share of Lake Victoria, Kenya is sitting on a water-based goldmine. The Blue Economy, defined by the United Nations as the sustainable use of ocean, sea, and freshwater resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem preservation, is now a global priority. It underpins international trade, climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, shipping efficiency, and long-term economic growth.
Kenya, with its strategic Indian Ocean coastline, inland water bodies such as Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana, and expanding port infrastructure, is well placed to become Africa’s leading Blue Economy and maritime hub. The upcoming Blue Economy Summit 2025, scheduled for 24th to 26th September 2025 at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Mombasa, offers a critical opportunity to showcase Kenya’s legal, policy, and commercial readiness for shipping, logistics, and sustainable marine investment.
The Blue Economy covers a wide range of sectors including:
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Fisheries and aquaculture;
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Ports and shipping;
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Tourism; and
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Renewable energy, among others.
Kenya’s Legal, Institutional, and Policy Frameworks
Kenya’s Blue Economy is anchored in a comprehensive regime that integrates maritime governance, environmental management, waste regulation, and agricultural linkages. These frameworks ensure compliance with international standards while promoting national development priorities.
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Kenya Maritime Authority Act, 2006
Establishes the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) as the national maritime regulator.
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Merchant Shipping Act, 2009
Provides a modern framework for vessel registration, cabotage, safety, seafarer welfare, port operations, and marine pollution control.
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Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999
Kenya’s principal environmental law governing environmental impact assessments, licensing, compliance, and sustainability enforcement.
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Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
Mandated to conduct research in aquaculture, fisheries, pollution, and oceanography.
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Marine Spatial Planning Framework
Ensures equitable and science-based allocation of marine and coastal resources.
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Kenya Vision 2030 and the Blue Economy Sector Plan
Embed the Blue Economy into Kenya’s long-term socio-economic strategy.
Waste Management and Agriculture: The Blue–Green Nexus
Kenya has introduced progressive frameworks that reinforce the connection between waste management, agriculture, and Blue Economy sustainability:
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Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022 and Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations, 2024
They establish a circular economy model, mandating producer responsibility, county-level segregation, and recycling infrastructure to reduce marine litter and port waste.
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Crops Act, 2013 and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority Act, 2013
They consolidate agricultural governance and strengthen agro–blue integration, including seaweed farming, aquafeeds, and cold-chain logistics.
These frameworks protect marine ecosystems, strengthen food systems, and create synergies between agriculture and aquaculture, supporting livelihoods in both coastal and inland economies.
Strategic Industry Opportunities
Kenya’s Blue Economy offers significant opportunities across shipping, logistics, aquaculture, and renewable energy.
Key Enablers Across All Sectors
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Education and skills development – expand marine engineering, maritime law, fisheries science, and environmental programs; establish STCW-compliant academies; strengthen vocational training in shipbuilding, aquaculture, and logistics.
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Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and climate alignment – integrate ESG principles across investments; align with International Maritime Organization decarbonisation goals, Paris Agreement commitments, and green shipping corridors.
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Public–Private Partnerships – structure bankable models for port modernization, aquaculture, and renewable energy projects.
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Startup and innovation ecosystem – establish Blue Innovation Hubs in Mombasa and Kisumu; launch venture funds for ocean-technology startups; foster innovation in aquaculture, logistics, waste management, and renewable energy.
Lessons from Global Leaders
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Singapore
Singapore has become the world’s leading Blue Economy hub through a top-ranked startup ecosystem, advanced marine and offshore engineering, global access to venture capital, and flagship initiatives such as the Ocean Health Fund, renewable energy and aquaculture training, and youth engagement through the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).
Takeaway: Clear regulation, targeted financing, and capacity building can foster a thriving innovation-driven ecosystem.
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Indonesia–Singapore Collaboration
This partnership illustrates the benefits of regional cooperation through joint fisheries and aquaculture programs, marine plastics reduction, and climate adaptation for small-island and coastal resilience.
Takeaway: Kenya can achieve similar gains through strategic partnerships with Tanzania, Seychelles, and Mauritius.
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European Union
The European Union has embedded sustainability at the core of its Blue Economy through green shipping corridors, carbon-neutral ports in Rotterdam and Hamburg, the BlueInvest platform for funding marine startups, and circular economy policies.
Takeaway: Kenya’s adoption of EU-style green shipping, carbon neutrality, and circular economy models will attract ESG-conscious investors and align the country with international trade standards.
How CM Advocates LLP Can Support
The Blue Economy and Maritime Law Unit at CM Advocates LLP provides specialized legal, regulatory, and strategic support across the maritime and Blue Economy sectors, including:
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Regulatory and compliance advisory under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, International Maritime Organization conventions, Environmental Management and Coordination Act, Kenya Maritime Authority Act, Merchant Shipping Act, Sustainable Waste Management Act, and Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations.
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Investment structuring and Public–Private Partnerships for port modernization, shipping and logistics projects, aquaculture facilities, and marine renewable energy.
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Strategic policy advisory aligned with Kenya Vision 2030, African Union Agenda 2063, and national Blue Economy frameworks.
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Dispute resolution in maritime, shipping, logistics, insurance, environmental, and commercial disputes.
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Startup and ecosystem support for innovation hubs, accelerators, and venture funds.
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ESG and climate compliance advisory to meet Paris Agreement and IMO decarbonisation standards.
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Education partnerships to strengthen marine engineering, seafarer training, and maritime law programs.
Conclusion
Kenya is at a turning point in its Blue Economy journey. With robust legal frameworks, progressive waste and agriculture regimes, skilled human capital, and international partnerships, the country is poised to establish itself as Africa’s Blue Economy hub. The Blue Economy is not just talk; it is a real opportunity for Kenya to build wealth while protecting nature. By leveraging strong laws, smart investments, and global cooperation, Kenya can ride the Blue Economy wave straight into its Vision 2030 goals.
CM Advocates LLP will be attending the Blue Economy Summit 2025, to be held from 24th to 26th September 2025 in Mombasa, which will showcase Kenya’s readiness to regional and global stakeholders. Through its Blue Economy and Maritime Law Unit, CM Advocates LLP is committed to providing clarity, strategy, and foresight to guide clients, investors, and policymakers in unlocking sustainable opportunities in this vital sector. Should you have any questions regarding the Blue Economy and Maritime Law or need any legal advice, please do not hesitate to contact us at blueeconomy@cmadvocates.com.
Author
Cyrus Maina
Managing Partner
Contributor
Ivy Njuguna
Associate Advocate
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