NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya will host a global Ocean Conference ministerial meeting in June, positioning the blue economy at the centre of its investment, climate, and development agenda.
The meeting will bring together ministers, investors, innovators, civil society actors, and community leaders to mobilise financing and promote practical solutions for sustainable ocean use.
Trade and Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the conference will focus on turning commitments into measurable action that supports livelihoods, trade, and environmental protection.
“In June, Kenya will host the Ocean Conference Ministerial Meeting, bringing together ministers, investors, innovators, civil society, and community leaders to drive real investment, practical solutions, and shared action for the ocean that sustains our economies and communities,” Kinyanjui said.
Kenya has a 536-kilometre coastline along the Indian Ocean and hosts diverse marine ecosystems that underpin fisheries, tourism, shipping, and coastal livelihoods. The government has identified the blue economy as a strategic growth pillar under its long-term development plans.
Kinyanjui said Kenya has made a “deliberate choice” to pursue an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that creates jobs while protecting marine ecosystems.
“We have made a deliberate choice to build an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that creates jobs, protects nature, and supports trade,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary spoke after attending an ocean investment meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where Kenya engaged global partners on sustainable financing and private sector participation in marine-based industries.
He said the Davos engagement reinforced Kenya’s commitment to translating policy ambition into investable projects and bankable partnerships.
“Today, I attended an ocean investment meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where we reinforced Kenya’s commitment to turning ambition into action and building global partnerships that unlock sustainable financing,” Kinyanjui said.
The June ministerial meeting is also expected to boost Kenya’s tourism profile by showcasing the country’s Indian Ocean coastline, marine biodiversity, and coastal culture.
“This conference will also have a positive impact on tourism, showcasing Kenya’s stunning Indian Ocean shores, marine life, and coastal culture to the world,” Kinyanjui said.
The Davos meeting was attended by Bermuda Premier David Burt, United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean Ambassador Peter Thompson, Lloyd’s Register Foundation Chair Thomas Anderson, and other global stakeholders involved in ocean governance and sustainable finance.
