Watamu, 19th November 2024 – The final event of the Italian component of the Go Blue Programme, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) with technical support from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari), was realized today in Watamu, Kilifi County. The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali; the EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger; governors and representatives from the coastal counties involved in the initiative; members from the AICS Nairobi Office, including the Head of Office, Giovanni Grandi; CIHEAM Bari representatives; and leaders from local communities.
“The Go Blue Programme demonstrates Italy’s commitment, alongside the European Union, to coastal development – a sector in which we are recognized for our expertise” said Ambassador Natali. “Through this collaboration, Italy has provided practical tools to strengthen local capacities and create economic opportunities for coastal communities, contributing to the region's prosperity”.
With a budget of €4,750,000 (approximately KES 720 million) over four years, the initiative had a direct impact on local economic development, advancing the growth of the artisanal fishing and cassava value chains, which are strategic for Kenya's economy. Key achievements include the launch of the "Soko Samaki" app to ensure fish traceability for consumers; the provision of 50 equipped boats to small-scale fishing cooperatives along the coast; the installation of three solar-powered cold chain systems, inclusive of ice production machines; and the construction of three solar-powered cassava processing plants. The Programme achieved significant impact on human capital development, namely through training and capacity building, with over 1734 fisherfolk trained in the Code of Conduct, 47 management staff participating in leadership and skills development training and over 230 small-scale fishers and producers receiving business management training, enhancing their capacity to grow sustainable enterprises.
Ambassador Geiger concluded: “We are proud of the outcomes achieved by the Go Blue Programme in collaboration with local partners. This project is a model of how the European Union, together with Member States, can support the blue economy in an inclusive and sustainable way, making a tangible impact on communities”.
The various stakeholders of the Go Blue program at the final ceremony
One of the three cold chain systems realized through the Programme to enhance fish preservation