BUSAN, South Korea – Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho has confirmed that Kenya will host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in 2026.
Joho made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the 10th Our Ocean Conference in Busan, South Korea.
“Today, I am honoured and humbled to officially accept the baton of hosting the 11th Our Ocean Conference, which will take place in 2026 in East Africa in the vibrant coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya,” said CS Joho.
According to Joho, this marks a historic milestone, the first time this esteemed global conference will be held on African soil.
“Africa is home to some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. Essential for food security, economic prosperity, and cultural identity. This is more than just an acceptance; it is a commitment to lead,” added CS Joho.
What is the mandate of the Our Ocean Conference
The Our Ocean Conference, initiated in 2014, serves as a global platform to address threats to the world’s oceans and encourage concrete actions. It has facilitated over 2,600 commitments, with a value of approximately $160 billion (USD).
These conferences aim to mobilise global efforts to protect and preserve our oceans.
As curtains came down on the 10th Our Ocean Conference, Betsy Njagi—principal secretary of the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries—reflected with gratitude on the depth and urgency of the conversations the delegates shared over the past few days.
“Leaders, experts, and advocates came together with a common purpose to secure the health and sustainability of our oceans. The importance of building strong partnerships across nations and sectors was underscored as we confront the mounting pressures on marine ecosystems. Our collective resolve must translate into action that safeguards the ocean’s vast potential for generations to come,” said PS Njagi.
PS Njagi said that she was proud to share that Kenya will host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in 2026, the first time the prestigious event will be held on African soil.
“This milestone is not only a win for Kenya but a moment for the continent to champion the blue agenda on the global stage,” said the PS.
Why did the Kenyan attend the Ocean Conference
Beyond the main sessions, PS Njagi disclosed that the Kenyan delegation engaged in key bilateral meetings with potential global partners focused on marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, maritime training, and investment in blue economy value chains.
“These engagements are vital in unlocking opportunities that directly benefit our coastal communities and national development priorities. The conference reaffirms a shared global commitment to protecting ocean health and harnessing its vast potential sustainably. Let us carry forward the spirit of shared stewardship, recognising that the ocean’s future depends on the choices we make today,” explained the PS.
Meanwhile, CS Joho said there was a dire need to build on the momentum of this year’s achievements to ensure that our oceans remain a source of life, food, identity, and opportunity for the current and future generations.
“Throughout our deliberations, we engaged in profound discussions on how to make our oceans safe and productive for both current and future generations. In my closing remarks, I emphasised the need for collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges our oceans face to unlock their immense potential,” stated CS Joho.
Who is eligible to attend the Our Ocean Conference
The CS observed that the globe stands at a crossroads where our choices today echo into the future, shaping the legacy we leave for those who will inherit this planet.
“The conference brings together policy makers, researchers, practitioners, and development partners to deliberate on practical actions for a sustainable ocean-based economy. This gathering of minds represents a profound commitment to the stewardship of our oceans,” added CS Joho.
In this collective pursuit, CS Joho reiterated that he recognises that the health of our oceans reflects the health of our shared future, reminding us that our choices today shape the world of tomorrow.
A first for Africa: Kenya to host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in the vibrant Coastal City of Mombasa in 2026, taking over the baton from the Republic of Korea on uniting the world in ocean stewardship. @StateHouseKenya @PS_Betsy_Njagi @MiBeMa_2022
On the sidelines of the conference, the Kenyan delegation visited the Korea Institute for Maritime and Fisheries Technology as well as the Korea Maritime and Ocean University
“Korea’s leadership in maritime training is globally recognised. Forging strategic collaborations with the two institutions will help us build the human capacity necessary to exploit the potential inherent in our blue economy sector,” explained CS Joho.
Which Kenyan institutions will benefit from South Korea
The CS further revealed that the Bandari Maritime Academy, the Technical University of Mombasa, and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology are set to enjoy the benefits of our mutual cooperation with South Korea.
A first for Africa: Kenya to host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in the vibrant Coastal City of Mombasa in 2026, taking over the baton from the Republic of Korea on uniting the world in ocean stewardship. @StateHouseKenya @PS_Betsy_Njagi @MiBeMa_2022
Joho was accompanied by the Kenyan Ambassador to South Korea, Emily Kipsoi; Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Josphat Nanok; Governor of Busia, Paul Otuoma; and PS Njagi, among others.
John Kerry, 68th US Secretary of State, now fighting the climate crisis, said that the South Korea conference declared itself to own the future.
“We are now going to be able to give it to our children and our grandchildren with a sense of having done the right thing,” said Kerry.
Ronald Roromana, a delegate from Indonesia, exuded confidence that every single participant that attends the forthcoming conference in Kenya will feel the warmth of Africa.A First For Africa: Kenya Officially Takes Over the Baton to Host 2026 Our Ocean Conference
BUSAN, South Korea – Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho has confirmed that Kenya will host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in 2026.
Joho made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the 10th Our Ocean Conference in Busan, South Korea.
“Today, I am honoured and humbled to officially accept the baton of hosting the 11th Our Ocean Conference, which will take place in 2026 in East Africa in the vibrant coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya,” said CS Joho.
According to Joho, this marks a historic milestone, the first time this esteemed global conference will be held on African soil.
“Africa is home to some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. Essential for food security, economic prosperity, and cultural identity. This is more than just an acceptance; it is a commitment to lead,” added CS Joho.
What is the mandate of the Our Ocean Conference
The Our Ocean Conference, initiated in 2014, serves as a global platform to address threats to the world’s oceans and encourage concrete actions. It has facilitated over 2,600 commitments, with a value of approximately $160 billion (USD).
These conferences aim to mobilise global efforts to protect and preserve our oceans.
As curtains came down on the 10th Our Ocean Conference, Betsy Njagi—principal secretary of the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries—reflected with gratitude on the depth and urgency of the conversations the delegates shared over the past few days.
“Leaders, experts, and advocates came together with a common purpose to secure the health and sustainability of our oceans. The importance of building strong partnerships across nations and sectors was underscored as we confront the mounting pressures on marine ecosystems. Our collective resolve must translate into action that safeguards the ocean’s vast potential for generations to come,” said PS Njagi.
A first for Africa: Kenya to host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in the vibrant Coastal City of Mombasa in 2026, taking over the baton from the Republic of Korea on uniting the world in ocean stewardship. @StateHouseKenya @PS_Betsy_Njagi @MiBeMa_2022
PS Njagi said that she was proud to share that Kenya will host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in 2026, the first time the prestigious event will be held on African soil.
“This milestone is not only a win for Kenya but a moment for the continent to champion the blue agenda on the global stage,” said the PS.
Why did the Kenyan attend the Ocean Conference
Beyond the main sessions, PS Njagi disclosed that the Kenyan delegation engaged in key bilateral meetings with potential global partners focused on marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, maritime training, and investment in blue economy value chains.
“These engagements are vital in unlocking opportunities that directly benefit our coastal communities and national development priorities. The conference reaffirms a shared global commitment to protecting ocean health and harnessing its vast potential sustainably. Let us carry forward the spirit of shared stewardship, recognising that the ocean’s future depends on the choices we make today,” explained the PS.
A first for Africa: Kenya to host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in the vibrant Coastal City of Mombasa in 2026, taking over the baton from the Republic of Korea on uniting the world in ocean stewardship. @StateHouseKenya @PS_Betsy_Njagi @MiBeMa_2022
Meanwhile, CS Joho said there was a dire need to build on the momentum of this year’s achievements to ensure that our oceans remain a source of life, food, identity, and opportunity for the current and future generations.
“Throughout our deliberations, we engaged in profound discussions on how to make our oceans safe and productive for both current and future generations. In my closing remarks, I emphasised the need for collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges our oceans face to unlock their immense potential,” stated CS Joho.
Who is eligible to attend the Our Ocean Conference
The CS observed that the globe stands at a crossroads where our choices today echo into the future, shaping the legacy we leave for those who will inherit this planet.
“The conference brings together policy makers, researchers, practitioners, and development partners to deliberate on practical actions for a sustainable ocean-based economy. This gathering of minds represents a profound commitment to the stewardship of our oceans,” added CS Joho.
In this collective pursuit, CS Joho reiterated that he recognises that the health of our oceans reflects the health of our shared future, reminding us that our choices today shape the world of tomorrow.
A first for Africa: Kenya to host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in the vibrant Coastal City of Mombasa in 2026, taking over the baton from the Republic of Korea on uniting the world in ocean stewardship. @StateHouseKenya @PS_Betsy_Njagi @MiBeMa_2022
On the sidelines of the conference, the Kenyan delegation visited the Korea Institute for Maritime and Fisheries Technology as well as the Korea Maritime and Ocean University
“Korea’s leadership in maritime training is globally recognised. Forging strategic collaborations with the two institutions will help us build the human capacity necessary to exploit the potential inherent in our blue economy sector,” explained CS Joho.
Which Kenyan institutions will benefit from South Korea
The CS further revealed that the Bandari Maritime Academy, the Technical University of Mombasa, and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology are set to enjoy the benefits of our mutual cooperation with South Korea.
A first for Africa: Kenya to host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in the vibrant Coastal City of Mombasa in 2026, taking over the baton from the Republic of Korea on uniting the world in ocean stewardship. @StateHouseKenya @PS_Betsy_Njagi @MiBeMa_2022
Joho was accompanied by the Kenyan Ambassador to South Korea, Emily Kipsoi; Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Josphat Nanok; Governor of Busia, Paul Otuoma; and PS Njagi, among others.
John Kerry, 68th US Secretary of State, now fighting the climate crisis, said that the South Korea conference declared itself to own the future.
“We are now going to be able to give it to our children and our grandchildren with a sense of having done the right thing,” said Kerry.
Ronald Roromana, a delegate from Indonesia, exuded confidence that every single participant that attends the forthcoming conference in Kenya will feel the warmth of Africa.
