Women in Tana River urged to embrace blue economy to improve economic wellbeing
The BlueBiz programme is a lifeline for many women in coastal Kenya, particularly in Tana River County, where economic opportunities have been limited for decades.
Women in Tana River County have been urged to embrace the blue economy as a vital resource for improving their economic statuses.
Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana emphasised the untapped potential within the blue economy and its ability to transform lives, particularly for women in the coastal region.
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Mungatana said it was high time for women to diversify their economic pursuits by exploring avenues within the blue economy.
“We need to spread energy towards uplifting the economic status of our women by teaching them how to tap into the various income opportunities that exist in the blue economy,” he said.
He said investing in women’s economic growth through the blue economy could create lasting benefits for coastal communities and the wider Kenyan economy.
He spoke at an event that was part of a broader initiative organised by Pamoja Pwani Network, and KICE CBO, both local partners implementing the MasterCard Foundation BlueBiz programme in partnership with TechnoServe.
This collaborative effort aims to provide technical assistance and economic opportunities to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya’s coastal areas, with a particular focus on empowering women.
Pamoja Pwani Network Executive Director Numious Kiti explained that the BlueBiz programme seeks to unlock the vast potential of the blue economy to create sustainable pathways for dignified and meaningful work for young women and others living in coastal communities.
“Our goal is to ensure that women, especially the youth, are equipped with the necessary skills, networks, and financial access to thrive in the blue economy. We believe this sector holds tremendous potential for lifting people out of poverty and improving livelihoods,” Kiti said.
The blue economy, which encompasses economic activities related to oceans, seas and coastal areas, presents numerous income-generating opportunities, from fishing and marine agriculture to tourism, transportation, and renewable energy.
Yet, many women in Tana River County remain unaware of how they can take advantage of these opportunities. Through the BlueBiz programme, local women are being trained on how to harness the resources available to them in sustainable ways.
Widened perspective
One such beneficiary is Warda Mohammed, who has gained valuable insights about the blue economy. Warda shared her experience, explaining how the programme has widened her perspective on the industry.
“Before joining this programme, I only saw fishing as something men dominated, but I now understand how I can participate in various aspects, from getting fish products from the sea to creating diverse products for the market. It has opened up my mind to more opportunities in this sector,” she said.
The BlueBiz programme, which currently has 995 participants in Tana River County alone, is structured around four main pillars: skills development, access to financial solutions, links to networks and markets, and enhanced leadership.
These pillars are designed to ensure that women not only have the technical expertise to succeed but also access to financial resources, mentorship and leadership training to help them thrive in the blue economy.
Through market linkages, they gain access to regional and international markets for their products, ensuring their businesses can grow beyond local confines.
The women are also encouraged to take on leadership roles in their communities and the blue economy sector.
"Leadership training programmes help build confidence and equip women with the skills they need to advocate for their interests and play a central role in decision-making processes," Kiti said.
The BlueBiz programme is a lifeline for many women in coastal Kenya, particularly in Tana River County, where economic opportunities have been limited for decades.
With continued support from partners like the MasterCard Foundation, TechnServe and Pamoja Pwani Network, women in Tana River hope to benefit from this initiative and contribute to the growth of Kenya's blue economy.
"We need more of such programmes across the county. We have many women who are still gripped by poverty due to lack of exposure to such knowledge and we believe this is a step in the right direction," said Hawaa Abubakar, a resident.
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