On October 27, 2023, the Jumuiya Ya Kaunti za Pwani - Kenya Coast Tourism and Cultural Heritage (TCH) Blueprint 2030 was officially launched at Forodhani restaurant, Mombasa, Kenya. This blueprint, the first of its kind in Kenya's coastal region, was developed by Camões, I.P., a Portuguese corporation, in collaboration with the Jumuiya Economic Development Secretariat under the Go Blue - Output (1) Tourism and Cultural Heritage Component Action, benefiting the Kenya Coastal Counties, including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita Taveta.
The primary purpose of this Blueprint is to provide guidance for the development, management, marketing, and promotion of the region's rich diversity of tourism and cultural heritage. Its specific aim is to create inclusive opportunities for income and employment, particularly for vulnerable individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while also integrating these groups into the tourism value chain. To achieve this, the Blueprint emphasizes strict adherence to seven key principles: Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Plurality, Ethics, Sustainability, and Responsible Tourism.
The Chief Guest of this momentous occasion was Mr. Francisco André, The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Portugal. He acknowledged the Tourism and Cultural Heritage component of the Go Blue project for creating job opportunities specifically for women and youth. He added that the government of Portugal is looking forward to working with Kenya’s coastal government to continue to deliver to the communities.
The event was attended by 98 people, including, Tourism officials from both the Kenyan Government and the Government of Portugal, the County Governor of Lamu County, a County Executive Committee Member from Mombasa County and official representatives from the other counties, Tourism and cultural heritage stakeholders from public and private sector and civil society organizations.
“I congratulate the entire team for this great milestone in the coastal region.” Lamu’s governor Mr. Issa Timamy stated. He added that the Blueprint was very detailed and well-researched. “It is now a challenge for the counties to domesticate it and make sure we implement the recommendations made in the blueprint.” He said.
The launch marked the culmination of a ten-month process since the first stakeholder workshop was held in Mombasa in January 2023 to kick off the development of the blueprint drafting process. The development of the Tourism and Cultural Heritage Blueprint was conducted through a participatory, inclusive, and holistic approach, as part of the integrated governance methodology guiding the drafting of the TCH strategic plan.
“In alignment with the Jumuiya 2030 Blueprint, the TCH Blueprint is a practical tool for directing the revamp of the coast region’s tourism sector and guiding its sustainable growth. Concluded Mr Emmanuel Nzai JKP CEO.
The Tourism and Cultural Heritage component of the Go Blue Project is financed by the European Union and co-financed and managed by Camões IP, with the overall objective of contributing to strengthened inclusive and sustainable blue economy value chains in Kenya’s JKP counties: Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Tana River.
More information about the Go Blue project at: www.goblue.co.ke