Unlocking the potential of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture in coastal Kenya: Assessment of system status, stakeholder awareness, and pathways for sustainable mariculture development

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is an emerging system that offers a model for sustainable aquaculture intensification, yet its global uptake is limited while its utilization in sub-Saharan Africa remains unknown. This study assessed the status of mariculture systems, stakeholder awareness, and pathways for IMTA adoption along Kenya's coastline to inform sustainable mariculture development. A mixed-methods approach was applied across five counties—Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and Tana River—using structured surveys (n = 300), focus group discussions (n = 15), and key informant interviews (n = 19). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, while qualitative insights were thematically coded and triangulated. Results show that aquaculture is predominantly small-scale (95.3%) and pond-based (68.3%). There were significant regional differences in aquaculture systems and species composition (χ 2 = 113.311, p < 0.001; Cramer's V = 0.658). Though IMTA adoption was low (2.3%), willingness to adopt was high across the counties. Ordinal logistic regression confirmed county as a significant predictor of willingness (χ 2 = 47.996, p < 0.001), with the strongest effects in Kwale (β = 2.023, p < 0.001) and Lamu (β = 1.363, p < 0.001). Multinomial regression identified lack of knowledge, capacity, and financial resources as major barriers (χ 2 = 67.038, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings emphasized grassroots innovation potential and strong community interest, contingent on training and infrastructure support. This study establishes a baseline for guiding IMTA policy, demonstrating strong latent readiness for inclusive, climate-smart mariculture within Kenya's Blue Economy strategy.