Mombasa has only tapped into about half of its potential in the maritime sector, and it is time to move beyond mere transit trade to fully embrace the broader opportunities presented by the blue economy, as highlighted by foreign maritime expert Rhavy Nursimulu. Nursimulu, the founder and CEO of Logi-Consult, emphasized that Mombasa possesses significant untapped potential that could elevate the city to a leading maritime and trade hub.
To unlock this potential, stakeholders must concentrate on enhancing value through the blue economy and its entire value chain. “We should transform Mombasa into a maritime and trade learning center, attracting more business opportunities and hosting conferences and related activities,” Nursimulu noted.
During a breakfast meeting for the business community in Mombasa, hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa chapter, Chair Aboud Jamal underscored Mombasa’s critical role as the foremost port city in East and Central Africa, serving as a gateway to the region. “We aim to reimagine Mombasa, recognizing its essential function along the Northern Corridor for the Great Lakes countries of East Africa,” Jamal stated.
The business community is focusing on policy, capital movement, and strategies to position investors, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and logisticians to leverage capacity building and capital injection. The ultimate goal is to empower businesses to compete not only regionally but also on a global scale.
The meeting, which included Mombasa MCAs and representatives from public agencies such as the Kenya Maritime Authority, addressed the unexploited opportunities within the county’s maritime and blue economy sectors. Jamal reiterated that Mombasa has the potential to provide efficient logistics services and products tailored for the global market.
Bamburi MCA Patrick Mbelle highlighted the necessity of involving Mombasa’s youth in developing better industries around the port. “We are committed to not only enhancing port efficiency but also fostering improved industries through capacity building and skills enhancement,” Mbelle asserted.
He stressed that the first and most vital step is to ensure that young people, who often express frustration over limited employment opportunities, gain a comprehensive understanding of the largely untapped blue economy sector. “We have youth in proximity to the Indian Ocean, rich with opportunities, yet they feel disconnected. This isn’t their fault,” Mbelle explained. “The blue economy is a relatively new concept for them, and they must first grasp its potential.”
He urged for increased training sessions and awareness campaigns to educate young people about the available opportunities within the blue economy.
Juma Ahmed, assistant director of port and shipping services at the Kenya Maritime Authority, reported that the Port of Mombasa has experienced nearly 12.5 percent growth over the past five years, with significant increases in the number of ships docking and the volume of tonnage. This growth presents ample investment opportunities but also necessitates that Mombasa be prepared to adapt to changes, particularly in the maritime sector. “We must capitalize on the increasing volumes of trade flowing through Mombasa port,” Ahmed emphasized.
He identified sectors such as ship construction, repairs, ship-handling services, bunkering, youth employment, and logistics as key drivers for enhancing Mombasa’s local economy. Ahmed concluded that maximizing the benefits of the port’s growth requires the active involvement of all stakeholders.
