Kenya on Wednesday hosted the first-ever Our Ocean Conference to be held in Africa, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki using the platform to rally global action on marine conservation and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
Opening the 11th edition of the conference in Mombasa on behalf of President William Ruto, Kindiki said protecting the ocean was critical not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic growth and the livelihoods of millions.
He said the government remains committed to preserving the country’s marine ecosystems to ensure they continue generating economic benefits for present and future generations.
“We have an obligation as the current generation to return the ocean to our children cleaner, richer and more resilient than we found it. That is how profound our obligation is,” Kindiki said.
The conference, themed “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” brought together global leaders, policymakers, scientists and conservationists to discuss solutions to challenges facing oceans worldwide.
It's hosting in Kenya marks the first time the event has been held on the African continent, underscoring the region’s growing role in global ocean governance.
Kindiki said oceans are central to Kenya’s economic development through sectors such as fisheries, tourism, shipping and the blue economy.
However, he warned that climate change, pollution and the degradation of marine ecosystems continue to threaten these gains.
“We need to take care of our marine biodiversity, manage the effects of climate change, and protect sensitive marine ecosystems,” he said.
The Deputy President added that environmental stewardship is a responsibility owed to future generations.
“It has been said that we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; instead, we borrow it from our children,” he said.
President Ruto, in a video address to delegates, highlighted the importance of oceans to livelihoods and industries while warning of growing threats facing marine ecosystems.
He said oceans support families and economies but are increasingly under pressure from global warming, plastic pollution, illegal fishing and biodiversity loss.
“The ocean powers industries and feeds families, but it faces a multiplicity of threats like global warming, plastic pollution, illegal fishing and the silent disappearance of life beneath the waves,” the President said.
Ruto said Kenya has already undertaken measures aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and advancing the blue economy.
“Kenya is already at work. We are restoring mangroves, cleaning our waters, reforming fisheries and strengthening ocean governance,” he said.
“We are opening the doors to blue finance, science and innovation so that conservation creates opportunities.”
Kindiki linked these efforts to the establishment of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, describing it as a deliberate step towards strengthening governance of the country’s marine and water resources.
“The creation of a special ministry responsible for the Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs is not an accident nor an afterthought, but a continuation of a long journey that this country has travelled,” he said.
The conference was founded by former United States Secretary of State John Kerry, who attended the event alongside government officials and international delegates.
Among those present were Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme Ida Odinga.
The gathering comes amid increasing global calls for stronger action to protect oceans, which play a critical role in regulating climate, sustaining biodiversity and supporting economic activities across the world.
