Kenya will host the 11th edition of the “Our Ocean” conference in June 2026, following discussions between President William Ruto and former US Secretary of State John Kerry at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Kenya, positioning the country at the centre of global marine conservation efforts.
The “Our Ocean” conference is a high-level international forum dedicated to protecting and conserving the world’s seas. Launched in 2014 by John Kerry, the conference has mobilised billions of dollars in commitments towards sustainable fisheries, marine protection, and combating pollution.
Since its inception, it has generated over 2,900 commitments and more than US$169 billion in pledges for ocean health.
President Ruto described the upcoming conference as “a new opportunity for Kenya to highlight our blue economy agenda and champion Africa’s climate action on oceans.” He emphasized that the event would showcase Africa’s potential in the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth.
Kenya, already a leader in environmental initiatives and host to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, has pioneered national policies aimed at reducing ocean plastic waste. The conference will provide a platform to promote sustainable fishing practices, reduce overfishing, and tackle marine pollution.
President Ruto also highlighted the role of young Kenyans in developing innovative solutions for aquaculture and marine industries, stating that the event would showcase their contributions to sustainable ocean management.
The decision to hold the conference on the Kenyan coast represents the first time the forum will be hosted in Africa, offering the continent an opportunity to lead the global dialogue on ocean sustainability. The event will bring together governments, NGOs, the private sector, and academic experts to make concrete commitments to ocean protection.
By hosting “Our Ocean” 2026, Kenya aims to strengthen international partnerships and demonstrate Africa’s growing influence in marine conservation and climate action, while reinforcing its commitment to the blue economy as a driver of sustainable development.
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