Overview of the Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

The Kenyan coastal zone is endowed with rich resources of multiple-uses which are of great socio-economic values to the local coastal communities and the nation at large. Lack of proper integrated planning, development and management of marine resources, compounded with pressure from rapid population growth, have contributed to resource use conflicts and adverse socio-economic and environmental effects. This article is a contribution to a comprehensive review of progress made to improve Governance of the mangroves and other aquatic marine ecosystems in Kenya and the entire Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, and identification of priority areas for actions of regional significance that could be undertaken in relation to key principles of good governance.