Blue Economy boom: Over 200 Tana River youths empowered in fisheries venture
By channelling youthful energy into enterprise and equipping young minds with the tools to navigate the blue economy, the initiative offers hope in a region where unemployment has long stifled opportunity.
Over 200 young entrepreneurs in Tana River County have received a significant boost to overcome one of the most daunting challenges facing emerging businesses in fisheries and aquaculture, which is market access.
By channelling youthful energy into enterprise and equipping young minds with the tools to navigate the blue economy, the initiative offers hope in a region where unemployment has long stifled opportunity.
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Among the beneficiaries is 19-year-old Muadh Maro, who completed his O-Levels in 2023. Like many of his peers, Muadh struggled to find work after school—until he joined the BlueBiz Programme.
“Before this training, I had no idea fish farming could be a career,” he says. “Now I’ve learned how to rear fish, manage ponds, access markets, and even secure funding. I want to expand my practice and create jobs for other young people.”
Muadh believes the blue economy holds vast, untapped potential for youth. “There’s money in fish. Instead of waiting for jobs, young people should seize this chance—it’s about building a future.”
The BlueBiz Programme, led by Pamoja Pwani Network in partnership with TechnoServe and other stakeholders, is empowering young entrepreneurs with skills and tools to thrive in fisheries and aquaculture.
Young women converge at a fishpond in Chanani village, Tana River County. (Farhiya Hussein)
Siliana Talu, another participant, specialises in producing tilapia fingerlings for local farmers. Her small business is growing, but she has bigger ambitions.
“Through BlueBiz, I’ve improved my production and learned how to approach investors,” she explains. “My goal is mass production to supply farmers across East Africa.”
However, Siliana highlights lingering gaps: “We need more training in value addition, branding, and export markets. I hope more organisations will support youth-led ventures like ours.”
Numious Kiti, BlueBiz Project Manager, says the programme goes beyond theory—it reshapes mindsets with practical, hands-on training.
“We’ve covered market dynamics, value chains, and business strategy. We’re creating entrepreneurs who understand both fish farming and its economics.”
She stresses the need to include young women, who remain underrepresented in fisheries. “Women have untapped potential. Empowering them doesn’t just lift individuals—it transforms entire communities.”
For participants, BlueBiz isn’t just training—it’s a springboard for change.
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