Kenya Commits Sh142 Billion To Blue Economy Agenda
News Updated: 18 June 2026 21:05 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto speaking during the closing day of the 11th Ocean Conference in Mombasa
President William Ruto on Thursday officially closed the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa with a strong appeal for countries and institutions to move beyond declarations and deliver measurable outcomes for ocean protection and sustainable development.
“Our gathering must be measured not by announcements made today but by practical change delivered across our oceans and communities.”
Addressing delegates at the end of the four-day summit, Ruto said the world’s oceans continue to absorb the consequences of climate change and warned that environmental pressures are reaching critical levels.
“The oceans have carried an immense environmental burden for humanity, but their capacity to absorb growing pressures is not unlimited.”
The President said rising sea levels, marine pollution, stronger storms and changing ocean conditions are increasingly threatening livelihoods, infrastructure and ecosystems around the world.
“Communities that depend on healthy marine systems are already experiencing the social and economic costs of environmental disruption.”
Ruto argued that weak political commitment, financing gaps and fragmented governance have slowed global progress but said innovation and coordinated action offer a pathway forward.
“We must strengthen financing, accelerate innovation and improve cooperation if we are to secure meaningful ocean recovery.”
He highlighted recent international progress in ocean governance and sustainability frameworks, saying stronger legal and institutional measures are beginning to emerge globally.
“Global agreements show that nations can act collectively when urgency, political will and long-term responsibility align.”
The Head of State said the conference attracted more than 6,000 delegates from 104 countries and institutions and generated more than 300 commitments valued at about US$5.7 billion.
“This conference demonstrated that international ambition can evolve into concrete commitments backed by investment and implementation.”
Kenya, he said, committed more than US$1.1 billion toward advancing its blue economy agenda through investments in fisheries, conservation, maritime security and climate resilience.
“Kenya is committed to translating investment into opportunity while protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.”
Ruto outlined government investments in fish landing sites, aquaculture centres, ports, patrol vessels and direct support programmes targeting coastal and fishing communities.
“Our approach has focused on enabling communities directly and ensuring development reaches those creating value locally.”
On international cooperation, the President said Africa’s future engagement with global partners should prioritise equality, investment and shared prosperity over traditional dependency models.
“We seek partnerships that generate value, create jobs and support mutual growth rather than extractive relationships.”
He also called for removing barriers to financing and expanding access to capital, technology and innovation to support long-term ocean protection and economic growth.
“Equal access to investment and opportunity is essential if countries are to meet environmental and development goals.”
Closing the summit, Ruto thanked delegates for their participation and invited them to continue engaging with Kenya through tourism, investment and collaboration while carrying forward the conference agenda.
“The true legacy of this conference will be defined by what we achieve in our waters in the years ahead.”
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD