MONITORING MECHANISMS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BLUE ECONOMY IN MOMBASA AND LAMU COUNTIES, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: The study examined the influence of monitoring mechanisms on the sustainability of the blue economy in Mombasa and Lamu Counties, Kenya.
Problem Statement: Mismanagement of common marine resources continues to threaten the sustainability of the blue economy in Mombasa and Lamu Counties, undermining livelihoods, food security, and economic development. Despite existing governance frameworks, monitoring systems remain inadequate due to weak enforcement, limited institutional coordination, insufficient funding, and governance challenges, necessitating an assessment of their effectiveness in promoting sustainable resource management.
Methods: Anchored in Common-Pool Resources Theory, the study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 330 respondents drawn from fishing communities, government institutions, NGOs, academia, and the private sector through semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
Findings: The study found that monitoring mechanisms had a positive and statistically significant influence on the sustainability of the blue economy (β = 0.170, p = 0.009). Effective monitoring enhanced compliance, accountability, and marine resource conservation. However, the findings also revealed that monitoring systems were constrained by inadequate funding, weak institutional coordination, limited enforcement capacity, and perceptions of bias and corruption, reducing their overall effectiveness.
Conclusion: The study finds that robust and effective monitoring mechanisms are fundamental to improving governance, strengthening compliance with resource management regulations, and enhancing the long-term sustainability of Kenya's blue economy.
Recommendation: The study recommends strengthening monitoring systems by integrating digital monitoring technologies with local ecological knowledge, enhancing institutional and enforcement capacity, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering inclusive stakeholder participation.
Keywords: Monitoring mechanisms; Sustainability; Blue Economy
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