Maritime security and the utility of the blue economy resources along the Kenya coast in the Indian Ocean
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Date
2025-09
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The Indian Ocean has huge economic value and potential in terms of exploration of offshore gas and oil, short and deep-sea shipping, marine aquatic products, aquaculture and fisheries, blue biotechnology and ocean renewable energy. However, it is faced with a myriad of security threats, such as IUU fishing, transnational organized crime, and ocean dumping. The study aimed to examine the nexus between the maritime security practices and the utility of Kenya’s Indian Ocean blue economy resources. The specific research objectives were to: assess the implications of maritime security constraints on the utility of the blue economy, investigate the influence of maritime security coordination on the utility of the blue economy, determine the implications of partnerships between state and non-state actors on the utility of the blue economy, and establish the effect of involving coastal communities on the utility of the blue economy. The study applied the collaboration action theory and coordination theory and adopted a cross-sectional research design. The targeted populations were state and private security agencies, investors, and the local community since they were the key stakeholders in the development of the blue economy. To obtain a statistically suitable sample size, cluster sampling and stratified random sampling were applied to proportionately select primary respondents, whereas purposive sampling technique was utilized to select key informants to obtain a sample of 334. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. SPSS 24 software was used to compute descriptive and inferential statistics. Thematic analysis was also used to analyze qualitative data from open-ended questions and presented along quantitative data. The results from questionnaire and tools were triangulated so as to increase credibility and validity of the results. The findings of the study revealed that Indian Ocean had huge blue economy potential in terms of provision of livelihoods to the coastal people in addition to the investment opportunities to several onshore and offshore businesses, such tourism, transport, and mineral exploration, among others. However, this potential is faced with a myriad of security issues, such as large sea area, sophisticated piracy networks and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. It also noted limited maritime domain awareness structures which were also seen as a weak link in the utilization of the blue economy. Results from narrative data re-affirmed the need for maritime security actors to integrate the perspective of the state security agencies, private security, non-state actors, such as investors and local communities, as a means to improve existing maritime security management, which is key to the utilization of the blue economy resources. From the correlation coefficient (r), the association between maritime security management and the utilization of the blue economy resources was moderately positive (r=.509). Notably, multiple linear regression results indicated that coordination (β = 0.295, p < 0.001) had a strong statistically significant influence on the utilization of blue economy resources, followed by involvement of coastal communities (β = 0.179, p < 0.001) and partnerships (β = 0.187, p < 0.006). It is concluded that maritime security challenges exist, which hamper optimum the utilization of the blue economy; however, synergies between maritime security agencies, non-state actors and local communities may counter these constraints so that the blue economy achieves its potential as maritime security practices are mutually reinforcing. The study recommends the need to prioritize maritime security coordination so as to maximize the benefits of the blue economy by improving information sharing, interagency coordination, and private security integration. The study notes the need for a comprehensive capacity-building for security personnel, strategic international partnerships, and the strengthening of state-non-state collaborations. Additionally, there is need to involve coastal communities in decision-making and empowering them through training for inclusive development
Description
A research thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of doctor of philosophy in security studies in the school of law, arts and social sciences of Kenyatta University, September 2024
Supervisors:
Dr. Merecia Sirera
Dr. Regina Mwatha