The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has asked players in the marine and shipping industries to work with local media outlets to improve coverage of the blue economy and maritime affairs.
MCK's Mombasa Regional Coordinator Ms Maureen Mudi said the Council has been advocating for the reporting of blue economy through partnerships with local radio stations.
"The MCK has been at the forefront in championing blue economy and maritime-related issues. We have formed media networks with financial institutions as well as youth-led blue economy start-ups”, she said during the second edition of the Mombasa Youth Dialogue on the Maritime and Shipping Industry organised by Blue Radio in partnership with MCK and other stakeholders.
“Journalists covering this industry have also benefited from capacity-building training, access resources, financing and grant opportunities aimed at fostering responsible journalism and conversations’’, she added.
Ms Mudi alluded that the Council has also provided journalists with knowledge of the science around the blue economy to promote professionalism, accurate and effective reporting, therefore strengthening the media's role in supporting a sustainable blue economy that benefits both people and the environment.
Representing the Principal Secretary Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Major (Rtd) George Nyamoko Okong'o spoke on the need to support marine capacity building, lobbying for legislative reforms and giving access to funding to allow youth and the general public to interact with local and global partners.
"We are living in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, it is crucial to support maritime initiatives", he said.
Bandari Maritime Academy CEO Dr Eric Katana called on the youth to actively engage in shipping, maritime, and blue economy training to unlock the vast opportunities associated with these sectors. He reaffirmed the institution's commitment to providing world-class training aimed at preparing the youth for global career opportunities.
“We at Bandari Maritime Academy are dedicated to delivering top-tier Maritime and Blue Economy training. Our goal is to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in the global job market”, he stated.
The event brought together participants from the blue economy sector who provided journalists with critical expertise in marine biology, climate change, and environmental sustainability.