Delegates of the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference confronted President Uhuru Kenyatta over the importation of fish from China. Speaking to the president at the sidelines of the conference at KICC, Nairobi the delegates found fault in the decision to prioritize Chinese imports at the expense of local fish produce.
Besides, the attendees questioned Uhuru on why Kenya has been importing fish from China whereas there was plenty of it in the neighboring country of Somalia. A visibly jovial Uhuru responded that Kenya should trade miraa for fish with the Somali government. “Nyinyi mlete samaki na nyinyi mchukue miraa (You should sell us fish and buy miraa from us),” the Head of State responded.
The delegates reiterated that their country was very grateful for Kenya’s assistance to the Horn of Africa including the fight against terrorism. The President further added that they could count on Kenya to support trade between the two nations. The Sustainable Blue Economy Conference focused on harnessing the potential of oceans, seas, lakes and rivers to improve the lives of people in developing states.
Kenya plans to leverage on the latest innovations, scientific advances and best practices to build prosperity while conserving the waters for future generations. The conference also captured concrete commitments and practical actions that should be taken to help the world transition to a sustainable blue economy.
