MOMBASA, Kenya — The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming blue economy research into tangible commercial ventures that drive social and economic development.
Principal Secretary, State Department of Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, said Kenya is ready to channel available resources towards science-driven innovations with real impact on communities.
“We must connect research with commercialization. Kenya National Research Fund and other agencies are ready to support innovations, but they must demonstrate clear benefits to society,” Prof. Abdulrazak emphasized.
He underscored the need for a coordinated approach, bringing together government, academia, innovators, and the private sector to push the blue economy agenda in one direction. He also welcomed the proposal for an Ocean Conservation Fund to help tackle marine pollution, urging higher learning institutions to align training in blue economy sectors with evolving job market demands.
The remarks came during the Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit 2025 in Mombasa, a three-day forum that convened innovators, investors, technocrats, and policymakers.
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Deputy Executive Director, Michael Mlynár, applauded Kenya’s efforts in advancing the blue economy, urging the country to capitalize on key research breakthroughs.
“There are a lot of things happening in this space. We must ensure coordination and synergy so that we don’t miss the target,” Prof. Abdulrazak noted.
Currently, Kenya invests only 0.8 percent of its GDP in science, technology, and innovation — below the African Union’s recommended 1 percent. Prof. Abdulrazak acknowledged the challenge:
“At the moment, the government is spending 0.8 percent of GDP to support innovation. Our target is 1 percent, but it’s a chicken-and-egg situation — why should we be allocated more if we can’t demonstrate impact?”
His sentiments were echoed by David Ogiga, Executive Director of Sote Hub, a business incubator that supports start-ups.
“We are here to bridge the gap between research and commercialization. By funding entrepreneurs and offering grants, we help actualize innovations into viable businesses,” Ogiga said.
The summit highlighted Kenya’s untapped potential in the blue economy, with stakeholders calling for stronger linkages between research, innovation, and markets to unlock new opportunities for youth and the wider region.
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