The national government has readied a spatial development plan, targeting the coastal counties in readiness for the takeoff of the Blue Economy, which aims to sustainably use the ocean resources to improve economic livelihoods, create jobs, and maintain healthy ecosystems.
In a delegation led by the Principal Secretary (PS) State Department of Physical Planning Mr. Enosh Onyango, a copy of the National Development Plan was presented to the Taita Taveta County’s Deputy Governor Ms. Majala Mlagui.
The coastal bloc spatial development plan is one of the last pieces of the Blue Economy that will establish a population database and the particular needs of each demographic within the six coastal counties and utilize the largely unexploited fortunes of the Indian Ocean and other inland water masses in the region.
In his message, Onyango said the regional spatial plan was part of the bigger Kenya National Spatial Plan (2015-2045) that was drafted to support the implementation of national flagship projects as outlined in Kenya’s Vision 2030 and its fruits would be felt right at the grassroots.
“We’re here courtesy of the mandate placed upon us by the Kenya National Spatial Plan, and specifically to support the Blue Economy, which will not only unlock the regional potential but the massive potential of this county,” stated Onyango.
Land utilization and population impact of the Go Blue Economy will now open the doors for the actual implementation of projects across the coastal counties with an emphasis to create jobs, support livelihoods, and lift the majority of the population from extreme poverty.
Currently, the various counties are working together on a common roadmap and goals to ensure the impact of the project will lift the economic status of the coastal bloc.
By Arnold Linga Masila
