Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainability of the Blue Economy in Mombasa and Lamu Counties, Kenya

This study examined the effects of stakeholder engagement on the sustainability of the blue economy in Mombasa and Lamu Counties, Kenya. The study was anchored on Common-Pool Resources (CPR) Theory. A pragmatic research philosophy and a convergent mixed-methods design were adopted. The study targeted 1,881 stakeholders across government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and the private sector, from whom a sample of 330 respondents was selected using purposive and simple random sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses, and thematic analysis. The findings revealed a strong positive and significant relationship between stakeholder engagement and sustainability (r = 0.796, p < 0.01), with regression results confirming that stakeholder engagement significantly influences sustainability (β = 0.167, p = 0.002). However, the study also established that stakeholder engagement remains largely superficial, with limited inclusion of marginalized groups such as small-scale fishers, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This exclusion undermines trust, reduces compliance, and weakens the legitimacy of marine governance systems. The study concludes that while stakeholder engagement is critical for the sustainability of the blue economy, its effectiveness depends on inclusivity, transparency, and institutional support. It recommends strengthening inclusive governance frameworks, enhancing institutional coordination, and promoting capacity building to improve stakeholder engagement and the sustainability of Kenya’s blue economy.