Mombasa County Executive Committee Member in charge of Blue Economy, Agriculture and Livestock, Ibrahim Khamis, has called for urgent protection of the ocean, warning that continued pollution threatens marine life and the county’s economic future.

He noted that nearly 75 per cent of the world is covered by water, stressing the need to better utilise marine resources through sustainable fishing while safeguarding the environment.

Speaking at an education forum organised by the Wachangmwe Community association, Khamis said his priority is to ensure clean beaches and a healthy ocean, warning that pollution and poor waste disposal are threatening marine life.

He observed that continued dumping of waste into the ocean could eventually destroy an important natural and economic resource.

“When our beaches and ocean are dirty, there will be no marine life. If we continue this way, we risk losing the ocean altogether,” he said, adding that protecting the marine ecosystem is essential for food security and livelihoods.

"All the waste from our households is ending up in the ocean, and this must stop. We need collective action to protect our marine environment." he noted.

The CEC also challenged women and youth in Mombasa to take advantage of opportunities within the blue economy by joining Beach Management Units (BMUs).

He noted that in regions such as Nyanza, women and young people are already taking the lead in fishing-related activities and earning sustainable incomes.

Khamis said the sector holds significant economic opportunities and pledged to promote inclusion, empowerment and greater participation of women and youth in fisheries and marine-based enterprises.