Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Blue Economy, Agriculture, and Livestock, Kibibi Abdalla, has challenged Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) to channel investments into the Blue Economy sector as a way of creating jobs and empowering young people along the Coast.
Speaking during the Ports DT Sacco Annual Delegates Meeting in Mombasa, Abdalla said thousands of youths have the talent and skills required to succeed but remain locked out due to lack of financial and institutional support.
“The Blue Economy holds immense potential for job creation, but many young people lack the resources to tap into these opportunities. Saccos can step in to fill this gap by offering funding, training, and business opportunities,” she said.
She added that areas such as sustainable fishing, aquaculture, marine transport, and coastal tourism present untapped opportunities that can drive economic growth while delivering financial returns for Sacco members.
Abdalla urged cooperatives to support youth as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and in return, they will also benefit from the youth’s innovation and productivity.
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The CECM emphasized that Sacco involvement in the Blue Economy aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and ongoing government efforts to promote sustainable use of marine resources.
She called for a collaborative approach involving financial institutions, county and national governments, and private investors to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Abdalla also raised concern over the growing number of young people falling into drug abuse, stressing that economic empowerment is a tool to redirect their energy into productive ventures.
“If we empower our youth today, we are securing a prosperous future for our coastal communities. At the same time, Saccos stand to grow as more young people become members, access financial services, and expand the cooperative movement,” she said.
Her remarks come at a time when policymakers and development agencies are increasingly pointing to the Blue Economy as a new frontier for economic transformation, particularly in coastal counties.
By Shaban Omar
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