he 6th Jumuiya Agribusiness and Blue Economy Investment (JABEIC) Conference, 2024 was held on 27th to 29th November, 2024 at the Taita Taveta National Polytechnic (TTNP) in Voi, Taita Taveta County.
The conference was organized by the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani in conjunction with the host, Taita Taveta County Government, through its Taita Taveta Investment and Development Corporation (TTIDC) aand with the active participation of the rest of the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) Counties namely Kilifi County, Mombasa County, Kwale County, Tana River County and Lamu County.
The theme for this year’s conference was “Partnerships to Unlock Green & Blue Investments”.
The conference brought together leaders and government representatives from the six Counties of JKP led by the Chairperson of JKP and Kilifi County Governor, H.E Gideon Mung’aro, Taita Taveta County Governor, H.E Dr. Andrew Mwadime, Tana River County Governor, H.E Dhadho Ghodhana, Principal Secretary State Department of Investment. Trade and Industry Hon. Shadrack Mwadime, policy makers, partners and donors, private sector, investors, exhibitors, local and international investors, youth innovators, students and other attendees.
The main goal of the JABEIC 2024 was to integrate local, national, and global trends, adhering to trade protocols and developing innovative financial models to boost agribusiness and blue economy initiatives with several objectives:
1.1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE
The JABEIC 2024, held in Voi, Taita Taveta County, aimed to achieve several key objectives focused on fostering investment and sustainable development in Kenya's coastal region:
1. Promote Investment Opportunities
· Highlight untapped opportunities in the blue and green economies, such as aquaculture, eco-tourism, horticulture, and renewable energy projects.
· Showcase the potential of Taita Taveta as a hub for economic growth and trade through projects like the proposed Special Economic Zone and dry port.
2. Strengthen Partnerships
· Foster collaboration between county governments, private sector investors, development partners, and local businesses to drive economic development.
· Encourage regional cooperation through initiatives led by the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani Secretariat (JKP).
3. Empower MSMEs and Innovators
· Provide a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and innovators to exhibit and pitch their ideas to potential investors.
· Encourage youth and startups to participate in addressing challenges in agriculture, maritime sectors, and urbanization.
4. Support Sustainability
· Advocate for environmentally sustainable practices, particularly in the blue economy and agribusiness sectors.
· Promote renewable energy projects and conservation efforts to reduce carbon footprints and ensure ecological balance.
5. Enhance Regional Development
· Discuss strategic projects like the development of water supply systems and irrigation to support agriculture and food security.
· Focus on infrastructure improvements to boost tourism and trade in the coastal region.
The conference program consisted of site visits to agricultural and blue-economy initiatives in Taita Taveta County, a cycling event, keynote speeches, several technical presentations, 1 moderated panel discussion, exhibitions as well as opening and closing remarks by the Governor of Taita Taveta County, H.E Dr. Andrew Mwadime, the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani current Chairperson and Kilifi County Governor, H. E Gideon Maitha Mung’aro, among other leaders.
The Conference was attended by over 400 delegates and attendees including political leaders from the six counties, regional leaders, national governments departments and leaders, development partners, the private sector, policy makers, academic institutions, cultural groups, investors, students and other groups and individuals.