The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has rallied stakeholders in the maritime and shipping industry to closely work with local media organisations to enhance reportage on the blue economy.
MCK Mombasa Regional Coordinator Ms Maureen Mudi, noted that there were vast opportunities for the youth in the blue economy that need to be amplified through the media.
"There are vast opportunities in the blue economy industry but sadly not many locals know about them. Utilise the media space as experts in that line and bring out what you do and where you need communities to engage”, said Ms Mudi during the Mombasa Youth Dialogue on the Maritime and Shipping industry event at Bandari Maritime Academy.
Ms Mudi challenged players in the industry to invest and support underwater videography, research and dissemination of information on the blue economy saying that potential needs to be tapped for communities to better understand what happens under and above the waters.
“MCK is planning to develop a curriculum on blue economy for journalists. The process geared towards achieving this includes reaching out to experts for input”, she remarked.
Principal Secretary, State Department of Shipping and Maritime Shadrack Mwadime urged the media to help the government in achieving its ambitions, noting that reporting on the blue economy would showcase Kenya globally.
“We need media to highlight the various aspects of development and opportunities for the benefit of our youth. We are soon setting up a state department office in Mombasa at the Kenya Maritime Authority, so that wananchi can easily access services from it”, he mentioned.
Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Chairman Mr Hamisi Mwaguya noted that it was only through dialogue that youths could express themselves and engage the government.
“Maritime shipping industry drives this world and as a country, we need to take a piece of the pie,” he said.
The engagement brought together hundreds of youths, maritime experts and organisations to explore opportunities in the maritime industry.