Kenya and Tanzania’s coastal waters harbor some of East Africa’s richest marine biodiversity, providing livelihoods to millions through fishing, tourism, and maritime trade. Yet these vital ecosystems face mounting pressure from overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change.
To confront these challenges, regional leaders are advancing more coordinated and sustainable approaches to ocean governance. At the forefront of these efforts is the recently launched Kilindini Campaign, which promotes Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) as a strategic tool to guide the use and protection of marine resources.
“Marine Spatial Planning is a science-based, participatory process that guides where and when human activities occur in the marine environment. It seeks to balance ecological, economic, and social objectives,” explains Tendai Mtana, spokesperson and senior adviser for the Kilindini Campaign.
In Kenya, the development of the Kenya Marine Spatial Plan (KMSP)—part of the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project—reflects this growing commitment. As Mtana notes, the plan is intended to foster inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen resilience to climate change.
The KMSP provides a structured framework for allocating marine spaces across sectors like fishing, tourism, shipping, and conservation—minimizing conflicts and ensuring sustainable protection of marine ecosystems.
A promising aspect of this movement is the increasing collaboration between Kenya and Tanzania in the management of shared marine ecosystems. One key milestone is the proposed Trans-boundary Conservation Area (TBCA), a joint initiative facilitated by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), aimed at enhancing the co-management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and promoting regional biodiversity.
“The process has involved extensive engagement with local stakeholders to identify potential zones for Trans-boundary management and strengthen community participation,” Mtana says.
Despite strong progress at the local level, policy-level coordination has lagged. To address this, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Tanzania’s Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU) have initiated bilateral talks on policy and governance frameworks. These discussions are being supported by the African Union Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Nairobi Convention, signaling a growing political commitment to regional marine conservation.
Spearheaded by Ascending Africa, the Kilindini Campaign aligns closely with regional MSP objectives. Through policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building, the campaign aims to accelerate the implementation of sustainable ocean governance frameworks across East Africa.
In Kenya, the campaign supports the goals of the KMSP, while in Tanzania, it complements growing national efforts to improve marine spatial planning and coastal management.
“By aligning our work with MSP frameworks, we are helping ensure that economic activities at sea are balanced with the need to protect ecosystems and the rights of local communities,” says Mtana.
The campaign underscores the importance of inclusive governance, cross-border collaboration, and the integration of local knowledge into marine policy. This approach is critical, especially as the region eyes the expansion of its blue economy—a sector that includes fisheries, maritime trade, offshore energy, and marine tourism.
“The successful implementation of Marine Spatial Planning and initiatives like the Kilindini Campaign requires strong collaboration among governments, communities, civil societies, and the private sector. As Kenya and Tanzania continue to lead regional efforts in ocean governance, integrating MSP into both national and county-level planning will be crucial. With collective action and political will, we can build a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable blue economy for future generations,” he concludes.
As momentum builds, the Kilindini Campaign is not just a call to action but a blueprint for what collaborative, science-based marine management can achieve. By uniting governments, communities, and stakeholders around a shared vision, the campaign is helping to transform ocean governance from fragmented efforts into a cohesive regional strategy. With continued cooperation and commitment, Kenya and Tanzania can lead the way in creating a sustainable blue economy that benefits people and preserves marine life.
