The National Assembly  Committee on Blue Economy led by the Chairperson Hon. David Bowen (Marakwet East) conducted an inspection visit to Liwatoni, Shimoni, and Kibuyuni in Mombasa County.  The objective of the visit was to assess the progress of ongoing projects in the region and identify any challenges hindering their successful implementation.

During the visit, Committee Members expressed interest in ensuring the people of the coastal region benefit fully from these projects. Hon. Bowen emphasized the need to check on the taxes being imposed on fishing activities as well as lower the price of fuel for vessels to enhance the economic viability of the projects.

In Liwatoni, the Committee toured the fish meal plant project, which is currently 46 percent complete. The project is set to open up a public-private partnership (PPP) that will help to promote innovation. The plant will process 100,000 metric tonnes of fish per day and create employment for over 200,000 people.

The Committee then visited a hatchery in Shimoni. The project, which is currently at 60 percent complete, has faced challenges with contractors therefore stalling. The World Bank, however,  has agreed to set up a resource center to partner with farmers to provide training and carry out experiments.

Members focused on assessing the feasibility of building a fish market. The Committee noted that the area has the potential of becoming a significant fish trading hub. However, they noted that there is a need for more investment in infrastructure. In addition, they discussed the possibility of building a cold storage facility and a fish processing plant in the area to maximize the potential of the fish market.

The Committee highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in the implementation of these projects noting that the Blue Economy concept recognizes the need to use the ocean and its resources in a sustainable way that balances economic growth with environmental conservation. Members emphasized the need to ensure that these projects promote sustainable practices and do not harm the environment.

At Kibuyuni, the Committee toured a seaweed farming project that had been shut down and was in a dire state. Seaweed farmers told the Committee that one of their major challenges was the lack of a ready market for their produce. Members recognized the need to address this issue to ensure that the seaweed farmers benefit from their work and contribute to the region's economic growth.

The visit to Liwatoni, Shimoni, and Kibuyuni highlighted both the progress made and the challenges encountered in ongoing projects. Members emphasized the need for collaboration and sustainable practices to ensure the success of these projects.

Members present during the inspection visit included; Kitayama Marwa (Kuria East), Hon. Charity Kathambi (Njoro), Hon. Amina Mnyazi (Malindi), Hon. Paul Nzengu (Mwingi North) Hon. Eric Mwangi (Mathira), Hon. Dorothy Ikiara (Nominated) and Hon. Stanley Muthama (Lamu West).