Kenya Marine Spatial Plan - MSP

This week, the MSP Secretariat is convening stakeholder engagement sessions across the coastal counties of Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, and Lamu to validate proposals for the Draft Marine Spatial Plan (MSP).

To kick off the engagements, planning teams paid courtesy calls on the offices of Governors and County Commissioners in the respective counties. As key stakeholders in the MSP process, county leadership has played a critical role in providing input that has helped shape the plan and in mobilizing other stakeholders to participate in its development.

The validation meetings will bring together representatives of coastal communities, county governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, national government agencies, and other stakeholders to review and validate the proposals that will form part of the Draft Marine Spatial Plan.

Participants will assess whether their concerns, priorities, and interests have been adequately addressed in the proposed plan. They will also provide feedback on the potential implications of the proposed measures and recommend appropriate mitigation measures where necessary.
After the validation meetings, the plan will be revised and taken through the various processes of public participation and approval.

Can we have development and conservation in the same ocean?

Yes! Through "Integrated Ocean Management," MSP will use zoning to balance conservation and socio-economic development. While "core" areas will remain strictly protected, "multiple-use" zones will allow regulated activities. All projects must also undergo a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) to ensure our ecosystems and the interests of local communities are protected.

Join us for the third WIO@40 Legacy Dialogues webinar as the Western Indian Ocean region marks 40 years of regional cooperation under the UNEP-Nairobi Convention. This session will focus on the critical role of science in shaping ocean governance, conservation, and sustainable development.

Keynote speaker: Dr. David Obura (IPBES Chair) will address the role of science in driving transformational impact for ocean governance.

Panelists include: WIOMSA Executive Director Dr. Arthur Tuda on the evolution of the science–policy interface in the region, and Prof. Kerry Sink (South African National Biodiversity Institute) on lessons from translating marine research into policy.

Date: 21 May 2026
Time: 2:00 PM EAT

Read more on: https://blog.wiomsa.net/2026/05/15/science-policy-action-and-impact-in-ocean-governance-the-wio-experience/

How can you participate in making of Kenya's MSP!
Your voice is the most important part of the process to develop Kenya’s MSP! Stakeholders are participating through consultations, technical workshops and public engagement forums. All stakeholders can contribute knowledge and share experiences to help shape the planning process and its outcomes. Once the MSP is ready, it will be published and the public invited to review it and make proposals to be considered in revisions before the plan is finalized.
You can also share your comments on the process via the channels on the MSP website: https://www.msp.go.ke

The MSP Secretariat held a hybrid meeting with World Bank experts to assess the development of the Marine Spatial Plan. The meeting was part of a Support Mission to the project, through which the Government of Kenya is supporting establishment of the MSP.
KEMFSED Deputy National Coordinator Susan Otieno highlighted the need to complete the plan's on as it was a foundational governance tool critical for driving growth of the blue economy.
MSP National Coordinator Dr. Jacquiline Uku confirmed the project is on track for timely completion and a draft MSP would soon be presented to stakeholder for validation.
Consultants from Geodev Kenya shared the draft MSP, while The Nature Conservancy ( ), a partner in the project, share highlights of technical studies on the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to strengthen the draft.

Je, wajua?

1️⃣Kenya imeanzisha upangaji wa maeneo ya bahari (MSP)

2️⃣Mpango wa maeneo ya bahari (MSP) utasaidia nchi kuimarisha uwezo wa uchumi samawati.

3️⃣ MSP ni chombo kitachakotumika kupanga maeneo ya bahari kuhakikisha shughuli mbali mbali zinapangiliwa na kusimamiwa ipasavyo

4️⃣ Mchakato wa MSP ni wa ushirikishi unao husisha sekta
na wadau mbali mbali, wakiwemo jamii ambao wana masilai katika
maeneo ya bahari.

A common question is: How will MSP affect fishing? MSP will help improve fishing by promoting responsible use of marine resources and securing fishing grounds. MSP will also protect fish nurseries, help prevent overfishing, and improve conservation of the ocean environment, including mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass.

The will also build on existing co-management plans implemented by fishing communities, while providing additional information and practical guidance from research to make them more effective. For instance, MSP will identify areas most suitable for mariculture, which can reduce pressure on fishing grounds and create more sources of income for the coastal communities.

Who is in charge of Kenya's Spatial Plan?
Driving the MSP process is a multi-sectoral team. MSP is a national strategic initiative led by the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, collaborating with Maritime Affairs, Physical and Land Use Planning, and the key Blue Economy Sector ministries, the process involves all stakeholders. It's team effort that follows a well-defined planning process.
Development of the MSP is supported by Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development Project
KenyaMSPJourney

How will the MSP benefit you?
By creating a clear, organized framework, Kenya's MSP will sustainable investment in sectors like tourism and fisheries, driving national growth and creating jobs.
For our coastal communities, it means better protection for fish stocks, improved fisheries management, and the safeguarding of essential habitats like mangroves, coral reefs and cultural heritage sites.
It’s a win for people, the environment and the economy.

:
The ocean is a busy place, and Kenya’s MSP will help to manage it all. will consider all major marine uses: from biodiversity conservation, artisanal and industrial fishing, aquaculture, tourism and cultural heritage to shipping, and offshore energy.
The MSP will also integrate coastal infrastructure, research and education to ensure every sector has a place to thrive without compromising the marine environment.