GOVERNANCE PRACTICES AND EXPLOITATION OF THE BLUE ECONOMY; CASE OF KENYA MARITIME AUTHORITY IN MOMBASA COUNTY
Sybil Awino Ochieng - MPPA Student, School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Wilson Muna (PhD) - Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
The blue economy, encompassing industries and activities such as fishing, shipping, tourism, and offshore energy, has become a crucial driver of sustainable development and economic growth for many coastal nations. In Kenya, with its extensive coastline and strategic maritime location, the potential for a robust blue economy is significant. However, realizing this potential requires effective governance practices to ensure sustainable and equitable exploitation of maritime resources. The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), as the primary regulatory body overseeing the country's maritime sector, plays a critical role in shaping governance practices that guide the exploitation of the blue economy. Despite the importance of the blue economy industry, the sector still faces challenges including, institutional weaknesses, usage of unsuitable tools and technology, lack of transparency, inadequate enforcement of regulations, and limited stakeholder engagement, which may lead to unsustainable exploitation of marine resources, environmental degradation, and inequitable benefits distribution. This study sought to examine the effects of governance practices on the exploitation of the blue economy at Kenya Maritime Authority in the County of Mombasa. The research specifically looked at how accountability and efficiency practices affected the exploitation of the blue economy. The study was based on stakeholder and agency theories. Descriptive research was employed together with purposive and stratified random sampling. A sample of 129 was selected from the target population of 190 consisting of KMA’s personnel involved in policy decision-making, representatives from associations regulated by the Authority, and non-governmental organizations involved in maritime affairs in Mombasa County. The study yielded both numerical and qualitative data for assessment. Numerical data was gauged into descriptive and inferential statistics which were presented using frequencies, modes, means, graphs, standard deviation, correlations, and regression analysis. The study strictly observed ethical guidelines such as confidentiality, anonymity, and consent throughout the entire survey. The correlation coefficient (R = 0.713) suggests a strong positive relationship between the predictors; accountability practices, efficiency practices, stakeholder engagement, and equitable practices and the dependent variable, exploitation of the blue economy. The R Square value of 0.508 indicates that approximately 50.8% of the variance in the exploitation of the blue economy can be explained by these governance practices. The study conclusively demonstrated that accountability, efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and equitable practices are critical components influencing the exploitation of the blue economy at Kenya Maritime Authority. The study indicated that enhanced accountability mechanisms within KMA lead to improved management of marine resources. The national government should reinforce accountability frameworks within KMA to ensure transparency and responsibility in resource management. This could involve establishing stringent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the effectiveness of governance practices in the blue economy. Additionally, the government should facilitate capacity-building initiatives that empower KMA personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement best practices in governance.