Ruto affirms Kenya’s readiness to host the first-ever Our Ocean Conference in Africa
By Kiprono Keileb, September 24, 2025President William Ruto has confirmed Kenya’s readiness to host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in June 2026, marking the first time the global gathering will be held on African soil.
Speaking after meeting former US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, who is also the founder of the conference, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ruto described the milestone as a defining moment not just for Kenya but for the entire African continent.
“I affirmed Kenya’s full readiness to host the 11th edition in June 2026 at the Coast under the theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,’” the President said.
Ruto emphasised that the conference offers Africa an unprecedented platform to shape the global ocean agenda.
“This historic milestone, the first time the Conference will be held on African soil, offers our continent the chance to shape the global ocean agenda for the next decade,” he noted.
The Head of State underlined Kenya’s commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, pointing to the blue economy as a critical pillar for the country’s growth.
“Kenya is keen on protecting its oceans and harnessing blue resources responsibly for sustainable growth,” he said.
Ruto added that Kenya intends to use the event to highlight the continent’s leadership in marine action and push for stronger global collaboration.
“At the conference, we will showcase Africa’s leadership in ocean action, rallying nations and partners to protect marine ecosystems, expand the blue economy, and secure prosperity for generations to come,” he stated.
The conference, founded in 2014, has become one of the world’s most significant platforms for advancing commitments to protect the oceans. By bringing it to the Coast in 2026, Kenya is positioning itself as a global voice on marine sustainability while giving Africa a seat at the table in critical discussions on climate change, biodiversity, and the blue economy.
For Kenya, the event is expected to attract world leaders, scientists, conservationists, and private sector players, shining a spotlight on the country’s coastline and creating opportunities for investment in marine conservation and related industries.
Ruto’s announcement sets the stage for preparations over the next two years as Kenya looks to deliver a conference that will not only highlight the urgency of ocean protection but also cement Africa’s place in driving sustainable global solutions.