President William Ruto has announced that Kenya will fully implement commitments worth Ksh142 billion towards expanding the country’s blue economy sector, while urging world leaders to move beyond pledges and take decisive action to safeguard the future of global oceans.

Speaking through his official X account on Thursday, June 18, 2026, as the 11th Our Ocean Conference 2026 in Mombasa came to a close, Ruto said the global conversation on ocean conservation must now shift from declarations to concrete implementation.

He said protecting oceans can no longer depend on speeches and promises alone, insisting governments must urgently mobilise greater financing, embrace innovation, strengthen institutional capacity and speed up the delivery of commitments already made.

Push for action beyond promises

“The health of our oceans will not be secured by declarations alone. We must find new and bolder ways of mobilising finance, harnessing technology and innovation, strengthening capacity, and accelerating the implementation of our shared commitments,” Ruto said.

The President noted that the true success of the Mombasa conference will not be judged by what countries pledged during discussions, but by the measurable impact delivered in protecting marine ecosystems and sustaining ocean resources.

Kenya puts Ksh142B on the table

In a major commitment, Ruto announced that Kenya will implement 50 commitments made during the conference, backing the country’s growing blue economy agenda valued at over Ksh142 billion.

The investment is expected to support sustainable ocean management, fisheries development, marine conservation and unlock economic opportunities tied to Kenya’s coastal resources as the country positions itself as a regional leader in the sector.

Global illegal Fishing takes centre stage

The announcement comes as world leaders gathered in Mombasa unveiled the Mombasa Declaration, a major agreement signed by 15 countries seeking to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing through stronger transparency and international cooperation.

The declaration aims to improve vessel monitoring, fisheries governance and data sharing, amid growing concerns that illegal fishing continues to threaten marine biodiversity while pushing thousands of coastal communities deeper into economic hardship.

Ruto thanked international partners attending the summit, saying Kenya remains committed to leading global ocean conservation efforts while expanding opportunities within the country’s rapidly growing blue economy.