- Bamburi MCA says lack of integration of blue economy in Kenya’s education curriculum impedes development of skills needed for sustainable blue economy practices.
- However, a majority of the MCAs opposed the motion, citing concerns about legal implications.
Image: FILE
The Mombasa County Assembly on Wednesday unanimously rejected a motion to formulate and integrate Blue Economy-related programmes in county learning institutions and social programmes.
The motion, which was tabled by Bamburi MCA Patrick Mwavula, sought to incorporate blue economy-related activities and programmes into county educational institutions and social initiatives.
He called on the Department of Education and Digital Transformation, in consultation with the Department of Blue Economy, Agriculture, Livestock, and other stakeholders, to develop policies and guidelines for integrating blue economy programmes into Early Childhood Development Education and village polytechnics, adhering to national and county education laws.
According to Mbelle, the absence of such programmes in the county hinders children, youth, and the community from engaging in and benefiting from the blue economy sector.
“Globally, countries are undergoing an economic revolution, and in Kenya, we are lucky to have an ocean. We have not been able to realise the full benefits of this resource, and that is why we need to ensure that blue economy education is incorporated into our curriculum,” Mbelle said.
He also emphasised that this lack of integration of the blue economy in Kenya’s education curriculum impedes the development of skills needed for sustainable blue economy practices.
This has negatively impacted the utilisation of marine resources and coastal environmental protection.
However, a majority of the MCAs opposed the motion, citing concerns about legal implications.
They argued that the responsibility for curriculum development lies with the national government and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development .
Deputy Speaker Fadhili Makarani said it would be unconstitutional for the Mombasa County Assembly to pass the motion because curriculum development is the mandate of the national government.
“I oppose this motion because this house is guided by the constitution. Clearly, there are laws that can be formulated at the national level and those that can be formed at the county level. Therefore, we cannot in any way go against the laws of this country,” Makarani said.
He said the motion included financial issues so they cannot discuss and pass the motion without putting into consideration financial implications.
However, Mbelle, who is also the chairperson of the Blue Economy Committee at the assembly, said the sector could provide substantial employment, economic growth, and sustainable development opportunities for Mombasa.
In his motion, he urged the Department of Education and Digital Transformation to allocate sufficient resources to support blue economy programme implementation in schools.
This included teacher training, provision of necessary materials and equipment, and collaboration with blue economy stakeholders.
He also encouraged the county government to promote collaboration between educational and social institutions, industry players, research institutes, and community organisations to facilitate experiential learning, internships, and mentorship opportunities in the blue economy sector.
“Many children and young people fail to understand the significance of the ocean and its potential for their future. That is why I came up with the motion to help us educate our children on blue economy,” he said.
Majority Leader Athman Mwamiri opposed the motion saying it interfered with the national government and KICD's responsibilities.
“We cannot pass a motion in Mombasa asking the Education department to come up with a curriculum for Blue Economy for ECDEs and village polytechnics, because there are bodies that are already mandated to do that work,” Mwamiri said.
Chaani MCA Frankline Makanga emphasised the need to be cautious about passing motions without proper understanding, as it could damage the assembly's reputation.
“Let us not do things because of public relations, this house needs to be careful on what motions to pass. We should not do things that might turn out to be misleading the public,” he said.
“The only best thing we can do as MCAs is to petition the National Assembly to pass such laws. County assemblies do not have such powers.”
In contrast, Mjambere MCA Amriya Boy supported the motion, arguing that introducing a blue economy into learning institutions would help students understand the importance of maximising national and marine resources.
She suggested that while KICD develops the curriculum, the assembly could propose the inclusion of maritime development in the curriculum.
In response to the opposition, Mbelle withdrew the motion, expressing his willingness to consult and explain its significance to fellow members.
County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri encouraged members to work together to refine the motion and address concerns.
"I believe that we can have this motion again, what is needed is to work on it and bring it back. By the time that happens, no one will oppose it because the members will be on the right track. We also do not want to pass it in the house and get stuck at the executive” he said.
He said the motion was beneficial and suggested that collaboration with other coastal counties could strengthen its impact.
In an interview, Betty Makena, a representative of the International Associations of Women in the Maritime Sector in East and Southern Africa, expressed disappointment over the lack of understanding regarding the blue economy.
Makena, who was present during the Assembly session, recommended that the governor and relevant authorities organise a retreat to educate the MCAs about maritime matters.
“I’m totally disappointed today, I had supported Mbelle’s motion. I think the county should organise a retreat for the MCAs,” she said.