Empowering Youth: Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development in the Blue Economy
In Kenya's coastal region, marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and coastal tourism make up the growing potential and value of the blue economy. Driven and led by young entrepreneurs, their involvement is crucial to ensuring that the Blue Economy thrives in a way that benefits all–balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
The Blue Economy in Kenya
In Kenya’s coastal region, marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and coastal tourism make up the growing potential and value of the blue economy. Driven and led by young entrepreneurs, their involvement is crucial to ensuring that the Blue Economy thrives in a way that benefits all–balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
The Role of Youth in Digital Adoption
Young people are at the forefront of digital adoption and innovation. Three-quarters of youth aged 15 to 24 use the internet, outpacing other age groups. This trend highlights the potential of youth to drive technological advancements and shape the digital landscape. However, there are significant disparities, especially in low-income countries and among young women. They often face barriers to internet access and digital skills. These gaps underscore the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable digital inclusion, empowering all young people to participate fully in the digital economy and society.
Challenges Faced by Youth in Digital Inclusion
Kenya is experiencing a surge in digital activism led by passionate young citizens advocating for greater youth inclusion in societal decision-making. Generation Z, characterized by their tech-savviness and social responsibility, have been pivotal in using social media to mobilize and coordinate efforts. Their digital engagement emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the country’s future and showcases the transformative power of youth-led initiatives in driving meaningful social progress. With the young people’s fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and passionate advocacy, youth around the world are driving progress and pioneering new paths at the intersection of sustainability, livelihoods, and economic growth.
The BlueBiz Program: An Overview
TechnoServe’s BlueBiz Program, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is dedicated to creating pathways for dignified and fulfilling work for young women and men in Kenya’s coastal communities, specifically in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River counties.
Objectives and Goals
Over the next three and a half years, it will support 15,000 youth entrepreneurs, build the capacity of local enterprise development organizations, foster financial inclusion through the Challenge Fund, and increase access to financial solutions. With a strong commitment to gender inclusivity, BlueBiz aims to reach 70% young women and 30% young men and will develop a Digital Toolbox to enhance information access for young people. This initiative is focused on nurturing the Blue Economy while safeguarding ocean resources in these key coastal regions.
Key Initiatives
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is central to the BlueBiz program. It will play a crucial role in fostering youth leadership and ensuring meaningful engagement in program design and decision-making processes. By integrating the perspectives and expertise of young people, the YAC will drive sustainable change and innovation in the Blue Economy.
The program design underscores the pivotal role of digital tools and platforms in empowering youth and fostering sustainable development. By integrating digital pathways, such as the Digital Toolbox, the program enhances young people’s access to opportunities and amplifies their voices in decision-making processes.
This approach aligns with the International Youth Day theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” by demonstrating how digital solutions can drive meaningful youth participation and leadership. Through these initiatives, especially for young women, the program not only fosters a culture of collaboration and progress but also ensures that technology is harnessed to address developmental challenges, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and resilient future for Kenya’s coastal communities.
The BlueBiz Youth Advisory Council
The council will be made up of 20 members from the five coastal counties that are part of the program. They will play a pivotal role in the development of the BlueBiz Program by providing youth-centric feedback to ensure the program upholds youth voices, agency, and meaningful participation at both programmatic and community levels in their respective counties. The program will not only empower youth but also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. This approach will lead to more relevant and impactful outcomes that drive sustainable development and innovation within the coastal communities.
Piloting a New Youth Model
For the pilot phase, three young Kenyans were selected, two women and one man, to represent Kwale, Kilifi, and Mombasa Counties. All three previously participated in BlueBiz’s entrepreneurial training in partnership with local organizations.
By involving these young leaders, the pilot phase aims to gather valuable feedback and recommendations, fostering meaningful youth engagement, inclusion, and leadership in the sustainable development of coastal communities. The diverse representation and targeted selection criteria ensure the BlueBiz program remains relevant, inclusive, and impactful, promoting youth participation and transformative approaches in, sharing best practices, and providing leadership training to drive sustainable, equitable change.
Meet The First Three Members
Mariam Kupi
Mariam Kupi has been at the forefront of marine conservation for the past two years, dedicating her efforts to combating marine pollution. Currently, she’s one of the BlueBiz program participants at the Ustadi Foundation. As the Chairperson of Okoa Youth Community-Based Organization, she demonstrates exceptional leadership and organizational skills. In this role, she coordinates group activities, oversees project implementation, and serves as the ambassador for the group. Her commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in her active participation in the planning committee for International Youth Day, where she contributes to organizing impactful events.
Innovation and Digital Tools
Mariam’s passion for technology is reflected in her development of a web application called the safisha app that connects clients with recyclers to sell their plastic waste. This innovative solution not only addresses waste management but also promotes recycling and environmental sustainability. Her expertise in leveraging digital tools underscores her ability to integrate technology into environmental conservation efforts.
Interests within the Blue Economy
Mariam’s primary interest lies in reducing waste that harms marine environments. Her dedication to the blue economy aligns with her work in marine conservation, where she strives to create sustainable solutions for waste reduction and environmental protection.
Vision for Youth Advisory Council
Mariam envisions using digital tools to enhance the initiatives of the YAC. By engaging with digital platforms and developing applications that facilitate the sale of recycled products, she aims to create a more connected and proactive youth community.
“Being part of the BlueBiz YAC is a testament to the power of combining grassroots innovation with youth leadership to drive positive change in the blue economy,” said Mariam.
“Embracing your curiosity and passion as youth is the perfect time to dream big and build your future.”
Milton Sami Kitsao
Milton is completing his project management studies at the Kenya Institute of Management. He holds a certificate in General Business Management and has actively participated in the BlueBiz program.
Milton’s hands-on experience with the M-Pawa Mariculture firm in Jomvu Kuu Ward, Mombasa County has equipped him with the practical knowledge and leadership skills necessary for community-based projects. Through his professional journey, Milton has successfully led initiatives that focus on marine aquaculture, showcasing his ability to manage and execute impactful projects.
Community Focus
One of Milton’s significant milestones includes helping deliver a community-based marine aquaculture project in Jomvu through this he creates a platform for other young people in his community to explore the aquaculture enterprise. Additionally, Milton has played a crucial role in resolving conflicts and fostering strong relationships within his team, contributing to improved organizational outcomes. His innovative approach to project implementation has ensured inclusivity and gender equality, benefiting women in the community.
Milton’s primary interests within the Blue Economy revolve around sustainable marine practices and community development. These interests align with the objectives of the Youth Advisory Council, which seeks to enhance youth involvement in the Blue Economy through leadership, innovation, and sustainable practices.
“As a YAC member, I’m excited to channel my experience as a mariculture entrepreneur into creating a brighter future for Kenyan coastal youth,” said Milton.
“Every great accomplishment starts with a youthful dream. The energy of youth is the driving force behind progress.”
Digital Tools and Innovation
Milton leverages technology to enhance communication, project management, and data analysis. He believes that digital tools can significantly amplify the impact of initiatives within the Blue Economy by improving efficiency, fostering innovation, and enabling broader community engagement.
His leadership, innovation, and commitment to inclusivity make him a valuable asset to the Youth Advisory Council and the broader Blue Economy
Yvonne Linda Muyia
Yvonne Linda Muyia is a strategic, passionate, and impact-oriented marine conservationist. With experience in the co-management of marine resources along the Kenyan coastline, she has a proven track record in leading marine conservation projects, implementing environmental and social management systems, and coordinating grant funding efforts. Yvonne excels in developing and nurturing community-based and multi-sectoral partnerships, engaging with communities, fisheries authorities, donors, and sponsors. She works with coastal fishers in remote and rural communities to rebuild marine environments and restore ocean life. Eager to continue promoting marine biodiversity and environmental sustainability, she leverages her expertise in marine conservation with a special interest in co-management and conservation leadership.
Her certifications and special training include PADI Open Water-Advance, Leading the Way: Effective Management for Marine Conservation and Biodiversity in Africa from The School of Wildlife Conservation at Africa Leadership University.
Capacity Building in Coastal Communities
Yvonne has secured substantial funding from notable organizations such as Blue Ventures and Camps Kenya to support conservation initiatives in the Blue Economy. Yvonne spearheaded training initiatives for youth in responsible tourism practices and marine guiding, contributing to capacity building and skill development within coastal communities. She has established strategic partnerships with community-focused organizations, NGOs, and government institutions to advance marine conservation efforts and promote local marine management.
Her personal interests align closely with her professional work. As a SCUBA diver, Yvonne engages with marine environments firsthand, understanding their complexities and contributing to their preservation. Her passion for public speaking complements her role in stakeholder engagement and community outreach, enabling her to effectively communicate conservation messages and foster collaboration. Volunteering for community development initiatives reflects her commitment to community engagement and empowerment, essential components of sustainable marine resource management and conservation efforts.
“As a YAC member, I envision a future where every young person sees the Blue Economy as a pathway to success. By fostering youth inclusion in Beach Management Units, we’re investing in the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Yvonne.
“On this International Youth Day, let’s harness the power of digital innovation to propel youth-led progress in the blue economy, forging pathways for sustainable development and peacebuilding across our communities.”
Youth Leading the Way
There is a need to collectively empower young people by providing more structured platforms like the YAC. BlueBiz Program is dedicated to youth empowerment and sustainable development in the Blue Economy. It provides a transformative opportunity for young people, especially young women, to secure dignified and fulfilling employment.Intentional and meaningful youth inclusion will drive systemic change and innovation. It will ensure the BlueBiz Program remains impactful and relevant.
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