Visions are amazing but unless actions are put in place and taken seriously goals will simply remain goals.After a historic forum for the sake of our eco-system, presidents have pledged their efforts and play in achieving and adopting the matters of the discussion.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has pledged Kenya’s support for the sustainable blue economy by highlighting key areas of focus as the first ever global blue economy conference opened in Nairobi.
President Kenyatta said Kenya will lead from the front in the adoption of appropriate policies, strategies and mechanisms to harness the blue economy so as to re-energize national economies and create greater opportunities and jobs.
“I am convinced that for the sake of the present and future generations, and for the continued viability of our ecosystems, we have to envision a different future and, therefore, a different model for the blue economy. I pledge to envision that future and do my part to promote it,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta was speaking when he led global leaders in making pledges and commitments to the blue economy at the historic conference, co-hosted by Kenya, Canada and Japan, that was also attended by senior Kenya Government officials including Deputy President William Ruto.
The three-day gathering seeks to harness the promise and address the vulnerabilities of the blue economy.
President Kenyatta emphasized the need to confront the challenge of waste management and plastic pollution that is compromising the health of people and oceans, seas and rivers as well as threatening food security and the biodiversity on land and at sea.
As a move towards boosting the blue economy, President Kenyatta said his Government is taking steps to build on and expand institutional governance mechanisms that are already in place to enhance coordinated management of the blue economy.
“These include the Blue Economy Implementation Standing Committee as well as State Departments for fisheries and maritime logistics and transport,” President Kenyatta said.
The Kenyan leader said his administration is taking measures to revive Kenya’s maritime transport by building and expanding its ports and shipping facilities, and partnering with global shipping lines to extend its maritime reach.
“We are enhancing our capabilities for Kenya seafarers to work on ships across the vast oceans by, inter alia, upgrading the Kenya Maritime School,” President Kenyatta said.
Do you trust Uhuru will stick to his pledge?