Kenya is set to incorporate mangrove conservation into its broader national development framework, a move aimed at strengthening the blue economy and enhancing climate resilience, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa announced during World Mangrove Day celebrations in Lamu County.

Barasa emphasized that mangrove forests serve as vital natural infrastructure that supports economic growth and shields vulnerable coastal communities from climate change impacts. She highlighted that healthy mangrove ecosystems unlock opportunities in fisheries, tourism, climate finance, and sustainable livelihoods.

"Protecting mangroves is not only an environmental duty but a critical economic and national development priority," Barasa stated, underscoring the role of these ecosystems in Kenya's blue economy.

The celebrations, held at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) grounds in Mokowe, followed a two-day National Mangrove Stakeholder Forum. The forum reviewed the progress of the National Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan (2017–2027) and discussed strategies to improve governance, attract private investment, and enhance community participation in mangrove restoration.

Key stakeholders including policymakers, researchers, development partners, private sector actors, and community representatives convened to:

  • Assess implementation of current mangrove management plans
  • Explore innovative financing mechanisms for large-scale restoration
  • Develop benefit-sharing models to provide sustainable income for communities near mangrove forests

Kenya's coastline, stretching 536 kilometres, hosts approximately 61,271 hectares of mangroves, with Lamu County containing about 61 percent of this cover. Other counties with significant mangrove forests include Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa, and Tana River.

Mangroves play a critical role in protecting shorelines from erosion and storm surges, providing breeding grounds for marine life, improving water quality, storing blue carbon, and supporting livelihoods through fisheries and ecotourism. However, these ecosystems face threats from illegal harvesting, pollution, encroachment, coastal development, sedimentation, reduced freshwater inflows, and climate change.

Participants expressed optimism that enhanced partnerships, sustained investments, and effective policy implementation will secure Kenya’s mangrove forests, advancing both environmental sustainability and economic growth within the blue economy framework.