Blue Futures Youth Innovation Programme

Mariners for Action is implementing the Blue Futures Youth Innovation Programme across Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa counties to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive in Kenya’s growing blue economy. The programme responds to persistent challenges including youth unemployment, limited access to market-relevant skills, early pregnancies, substance abuse, and increasing reliance on unsustainable livelihood activities that threaten coastal and marine ecosystems.

The programme delivers practical, market-driven training that strengthens both employability and entrepreneurship. Young people acquire competencies in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business development, leadership, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation, proposal writing, and climate resilience, alongside technical skills in sustainable aquaculture, marine conservation, fisheries value addition, ecotourism, mangrove restoration, plastic waste management, circular economy enterprises, and other emerging blue economy value chains.

In addition to technical training, the programme provides mentorship, business incubation, innovation support, market linkages, and access to enterprise development opportunities, enabling participants to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. Through partnerships with government institutions, academia, the private sector, financial institutions, and development partners, the programme connects young people to employment pathways, business networks, investment opportunities, and practical industry experience.

We welcome collaboration with governments, development partners, research and academic institutions, private sector organizations, investors, and philanthropic partners to expand the programme’s reach, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and unlock greater opportunities for young people.