NAIROBI, Kenya — Governors from Kenya’s Coast Region have commended the Go Blue Initiative for its transformative role in empowering coastal communities and driving sustainable development across the region.
Speaking during a Go Blue Workshop held in Nairobi, Taita Taveta Governor H.E. Dr. Andrew Mwadime (Wakujaa) lauded the initiative for its tangible contributions to local growth and environmental sustainability. He called for expanded partnerships to enhance the program’s reach and impact.
“We are grateful for the positive impact of Go Blue projects in our region. We invite more partners to join us in our development journey,” said Governor Mwadime.
He highlighted notable achievements under the initiative, including the establishment of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Chakaleri in Taita Taveta County — a milestone in advancing waste management and circular economy efforts. The governor expressed optimism that new partnerships would help equip and strengthen the facility’s operations.
Governor Mwadime also praised the program’s focus on training and capacity building for County Government of Taita Taveta (CGTT) staff, as well as the successful equipping of Geographic Information System (GIS) Labs, a key step toward digitizing the county’s data systems for better planning and decision-making.
European Union Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Henriette Geiger, who graced the event, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Kenya’s development agenda and the sustainability of the Blue Economy.
“The EU supports Kenya’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country. We are delighted to see the positive impact of Go Blue projects, which deliver value for money and tangible benefits to communities at the grassroots,” Ambassador Geiger stated.
The workshop, organized by the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), brought together regional governors, EU representatives, and other key stakeholders to review progress and explore new opportunities for collaboration under the Go Blue framework.
Participants shared success stories from various counties, emphasizing the initiative’s contributions to environmental conservation, livelihoods improvement, and youth empowerment.
Looking ahead, both county leaders and development partners expressed optimism about future engagements, with the EU Ambassador hinting at potential new areas of cooperation — including cultural tourism, heritage preservation, and the long-term sustainability of the Blue Economy along the Eastern Coast of Africa.
The Go Blue Initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and UN agencies, continues to stand out as a model for inclusive and sustainable coastal development in Africa.
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