Background
The blue economy committee was established at the Council following a resolution from the Council of Governors meeting held on 29th January, 2021. This was in recognition of the fact that the ocean and inland waters including lakes and rivers provide important benefits to communities, Counties, and Nationally. These benefits include but are not limited:
i) Food and nutrition security from fisheries and aquaculture,
ii) Economic and social development from fisheries and aquaculture,
iii) Marine and coastal tourism, shipping, mining,and energy.
The link between the blue economy and development is explicitly recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 14, which requires member states to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Kenya has prioritized the sustainable utilization of its ocean and blue economy resources as an enabler of the Vision 2030 economic blueprint. Further, and in line with the global agenda, it is noteworthy that harnessing the potential of our blue economy can improve the lives of all, particularly women, youth, and Indigenous people. This also presents an opportunity to leverage the latest innovations, scientific advances, and best practices to build prosperity while conserving our waters for future generations.

Terms of Reference of the Committee
1) Provide technical assistance in terms of information, research, and policy analysis on County Governments across a range of policy issues targeting the development of Blue Economy in all Counties;
2) Engage need-based dispute resolution mechanisms in the utilization of trans-county Blue Economy Resources;
3) Provide an effective research and knowledge management platform for sharing best practices in Blue Economy;
4) Promote Inter- County coordination of the Blue Economy;
5) Coordinate, develop and consolidate collective county positions on Blue Economy matters;
6) Provide a framework for increased County investments in the Blue Economy;
7) Provide a framework for the review and mainstreaming of private sector, non-governmental organizations development partners engagement and support to County Governments with the view of mobilizing resources to enable sustainable exploitation and development of Blue Economy;
8) Explore linkages between the blue economy committee and other committees at the Council;
9) Coordinate the participation of County Governments in local, regional, and international conferences Blue Economy matters, e.g. Sustainable Blue Economy Conferences;
10) Plan and manage national forums for CECs for Blue Economy and communication to stakeholders and providing linkage to the County Cluster coordinating mechanism to harmonize their activities with the priorities adopted at National and County level;
11) Ensure appropriate representation at key Blue Economy, meetings and conferences organized by the Council of Governors and Partners;
12) Monitor current publications, event,s and developments in the area of Blue Economy at the International, National, and County level and ensure that such information is shared; and
13) Advise the Committees and members of the Council on relevant policy matters affecting Blue Economy;