Kenya hosted the 11th Our Ocean Conference at the coastal city of Mombasa. The event became the epicentre of global maritime governance and marked first time of the premier forum in Africa, this week.
The event was observed under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future”. Considering the weight of a continent’s blue economy aspirations on them, the organisers shifted the international dialogue from abstract environmentalism to the tangible intersections of culture, commerce and survival.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki opened the conference on behalf of the President Dr. William Samoei Ruto. As he could not attend the event, President addressed the delegates via a video message and emphasised them on urgent need of safeguarding the ocean.
He stated that Kenya is already at work. They are restoring mangroves, cleaning the waters, reforming fisheries and strengthening ocean governance. They are opening the door to Blue Finance, Science and Innovation so that conversation creates the opportunity.
Aims to Protect 30% Ocean by 2030
President Ruto made three requests to Partners, helping them to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 with the financing technology and enforcement that meaningful protection demands. It will also bring the capital to build industries, dignify work and restore the ecosystems, which defines prosperity and stands with them against illegal and unreported fishing.
At the event, Deputy President Kindiki was accompanied by cabinet secretaries and senior government officials who described the ocean as more than an ecologist asset. He described it as a cornerstone of national identity and as a vital source for regional stability. He warned that its degradation will poses serious risks if shoreline is extended.
Deputy President also underscored the economic urgency by driving the conference and pointing to the Port of Mombasa as a critical lifeline for the East African hinterland. He said that the port remains central to the economic integration of the region, as it sustains livelihoods and facilitates trade across multiple countries.
Prof. Kindiki added that every container handled at the Port of Mombasa is not just a logical statistic, it represents livelihoods and connects millions of people across East Africa. He warned that these economic gains are under growing threat from a range of environmental challenges. He further cited that the rising sea temperatures, illegal fishing, marine pollution and the rapid loss of biodiversity are the key concerns that require immediate and coordinated interventions.
Multi-prolonged Strategies by the Govt.
The Deputy President mentioned that the government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to address these challenges and protect the marine resources of the country. The approach includes large-scale mangrove restoration programmes, which is intensified ocean clean-up efforts and sustained lobbying for access to global blue financing mechanisms. He said that these measures ensure that oceans continue to support economic growth while remaining sustainable for future generations.
The conference was structured to bridge the persistent gap between policy pledges and physical outcomes. Over coming days, a coalition consisting of government leaders, private sector executives, innovators, shipping and maritime stakeholders will work towards moving the global ocean agenda from dialogue to delivery. The focus is sharply trained on placing jobs, equity and ecosystem health at the heart of international cooperation. As it aims to catalyse direct investment into the sustainable blue economy.
Parallel to these national efforts, the forum will later advance collaborative strategies to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing while scaling marine conservation and restoration projects that yield verifiable results.
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Commitment should become Implementation
Former U.S. Secretary of State and founder of the Ocean Initiative – John F. Kerry delivered a stark reminder to delegates. He asserted that the ocean can no longer be an afterthought in climate policy. He stressed that this assembly must serve as the inflection point where commitment solidifies into implementation.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry – Lee Kinyanjui made a case for investing in Kenya, particularly in shipping sector further noted that reducing cargo transport time and improving shipping connectivity will significantly boost trade. Also, it will lower the cost of doing business and accelerate economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The CS said that Kenya is committed to advancing this agenda with the Port of Mombasa and Lamu Port which have the capacity to handle the increased cargo volumes and serve as strategic logistics hubs for the region. He said that they welcomed the investors and partners who are interested in shipping, logistics, port infrastructure and the broader blue economy. As the sessions commence, the underlying objective is that the health of the ocean is the bedrock of future prosperity.
Notably, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has taken an active role in the conference as a key partner. The Authority has set up an exhibition booth to showcase its services to delegates by visiting the conference, providing them with insight into its operations and its role in the maritime sector.