NAIROBI, Kenya – In a bold leap forward for ocean conservation and global diplomacy, Kenya is officially set to host the 11th edition of the prestigious Our Ocean Conference in 2026.
President William Ruto made the announcement on Monday, following a call with former U.S. Secretary of State and Our Ocean founder, John Kerry.
The annual summit, known for rallying governments, environmental experts, and the private sector toward marine protection, will bring the world’s leading ocean advocates to the shores of East Africa—shining a spotlight on Kenya’s leadership in the blue economy and climate action.
Ruto revealed that Kenya’s selection was the result of a formal request from the Our Ocean Conference Advisory Group. Their decision, he noted, was anchored in Kenya’s “exemplary global leadership” on marine and environmental issues.
The President emphasized that the 2026 event will offer a platform to amplify Africa’s voice on ocean health, especially within the context of the Indian Ocean—a shared lifeline for 23 nations.
“The conference will be an apt opportunity for Kenya to highlight our blue economy agenda and champion Africa’s climate action on oceans,” Ruto said in the official statement.
According to the Our Ocean organization, the conference has, since its inception in 2014, catalyzed over 2,600 commitments worth approximately $140 billion, making it one of the most impactful summits for ocean sustainability to date.
The idea to bring Our Ocean to Kenya has been quietly building momentum.
During their phone call, John Kerry reportedly expressed full support for Kenya’s role as host, echoing the importance of expanding climate action beyond traditional power centers and into the Global South.
The upcoming 2025 conference—slated for Busan, South Korea—will focus on the theme “Our Ocean, Our Action,” with an emphasis on leveraging digital innovation for sustainable ocean governance.
That edition is expected to set the tone for the 2026 event in Kenya, possibly sparking fresh commitments on climate-resilient coastlines, plastic pollution, and marine biodiversity.
By 2026, the Nairobi summit will build on this momentum with a special focus on Africa’s role in the future of the oceans.
The Our Ocean Conference isn’t your typical high-level talkfest. It’s an invite-only affair, bringing together heavy-hitters from government, NGOs, academia, and tech. The goal? Not just speeches, but measurable action.
Themes often include ocean pollution, biodiversity loss, illegal fishing, and the integration of smart tech—like remote sensors, marine data platforms, and “digital ocean” strategies that combine AI with real-time monitoring of ocean health.
Kenya’s hosting rights also underscore its status as a trailblazer in ocean-centric policy, with recent efforts to curb marine plastic pollution and promote sustainable fishing practices earning global applause.
This isn’t just a win for Kenya—it’s a win for the entire continent.
By hosting the 2026 Our Ocean Conference, Kenya is throwing open the doors to global climate diplomacy, marine science innovation, and powerful new partnerships.
The country’s blue economy is finally getting its long-overdue moment in the international spotlight.
As nations gear up for the 2025 edition in South Korea, the countdown begins for Nairobi’s turn to lead the charge toward an “Ocean of Hope.”
