The State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, in collaboration with the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), held a stakeholder engagement forum and public participation exercise in Lamu County, to gather views and recommendations on the proposed Kenya Maritime Investment Policy and the Draft Incentive Regime for the Maritime Sector.

‎ Earlier in the day, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Lamu Governor, Issa Timammy, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the National Government, County Government and maritime sector stakeholders in unlocking Lamu’s vast Blue Economy potential.

‎ The Forum was officially opened by the Secretary Administration (SA), State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Ms. Fauzia Suleiman, who represented the Principal Secretary, Mr. Aden A. Millah.

‎ In her remarks, Ms. Suleiman underscored the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement in developing responsive policy frameworks that promote investment, enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable growth in Kenya’s maritime sector.

‎ She emphasized the need for the proposed Maritime Investment Policy, to prioritize local investors, while addressing existing tax regimes that may constrain investment, discourage entrepreneurship and limit business growth in the maritime industry.

‎ Ms. Suleiman called for stakeholders to be accorded adequate time to review the proposed policy instruments to facilitate informed, meaningful and constructive feedback.

‎ The Secretary Administration highlighted the importance of incorporating the views and interests of young people, women, persons with disabilities, community-based groups engaged in Blue Economy activities and other vulnerable groups in the development and implementation of the policy frameworks.

‎ “The State Department remains committed to ensuring that stakeholder contributions inform the final policy and incentive frameworks, positioning Kenya as a competitive regional maritime investment hub, while creating employment opportunities and advancing the Blue Economy agenda,” said Ms. Suleiman.

‎ Also present was the Lamu Central Sub-county Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Wilson Kipkorir, who underscored the importance of involving local communities in developing policy instruments that have a direct bearing on their economic livelihoods and future opportunities.

‎ He assured that the Government would always create a platform through which local stakeholders could participate in shaping the proposed policy frameworks, share their experiences and contribute to decisions that will influence the future of Kenya’s maritime sector.‎

‎ The engagement provided an important platform for maritime industry players, investors, local communities and other stakeholders, to share experiences, identify barriers to investment and propose practical interventions to strengthen the sector.

‎ The proposed Kenya Maritime Investment Policy and Incentive Regime, are expected to provide a more enabling environment for maritime investments, stimulate private sector participation, promote local enterprise development and unlock the sector’s potential to generate employment, grow the economy and accelerate Kenya’s Blue Economy transformation.

By Justus Anzaya