Mounting frustration is boiling over among Kenya’s youth as delays and alleged mismanagement stall key blue economy initiatives that were once hailed as a cornerstone of job creation.
Over 50,000 job opportunities have reportedly been lost, casting a shadow over what was once seen as a transformative sector for the country.
The blue economy — encompassing maritime trade, fishing, shipping, and related industries — was projected to absorb thousands of unemployed youth.
But today, disillusionment is rising amid claims of government inaction, political interference, and systemic corruption.
“The system is completely broken.
Those in power benefit while young people remain hopeless,” lamented one maritime jobseeker, echoing the sentiment of many across coastal counties.
Several high-profile opportunities have allegedly been squandered due to internal sabotage and poor coordination between government agencies.
One such case involved an international maritime company that aimed to recruit 140 Kenyans currently working in Middle Eastern hotels, offering salaries of up to $3,000 per month.
The effort was reportedly blocked by officials at the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and the Principal Secretary’s office, forcing the company to withdraw.
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