Calling for urgent action to protect marine ecosystems, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the current generation has a duty to leave behind a cleaner, richer and more resilient ocean for future generations.
MOMBASA, Kenya – Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Kenya’s ocean resources, saying sustainable management of marine ecosystems is critical to the country’s economic growth and the well-being of future generations.
Speaking during the official opening of the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) in Mombasa on behalf of President William Ruto, Prof. Kindiki said Kenya has a duty to preserve its oceans and marine biodiversity while unlocking the vast opportunities presented by the blue economy.
He noted that the ocean remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, supporting livelihoods, trade, tourism, fisheries, and environmental sustainability.
“We have an obligation as the current generation to return the ocean to our children cleaner, richer and more resilient than we found it. That is how profound our obligation is,” said the Deputy President.
The conference, themed “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” is the first edition of the global summit to be hosted in Africa and has brought together world leaders, policymakers, scientists, environmental advocates, and development partners to discuss solutions to the growing threats facing the world’s oceans.
In a video address, President William Ruto underscored the significance of oceans to Kenya’s economy, describing them as a source of food, jobs, trade, and investment.
However, the President warned that oceans across the world continue to face mounting challenges, including climate change, plastic pollution, illegal fishing, and declining marine biodiversity.
“Kenya is already at work. We are restoring mangroves, cleaning our waters, reforming fisheries and strengthening ocean governance. We are opening the doors to blue finance, science and innovation so that conservation creates opportunities,” President Ruto said.
Efforts
Prof. Kindiki echoed the President’s sentiments, saying environmental stewardship should be viewed as an investment in future generations rather than a burden on the present one.
“We need to take care of our marine biodiversity, manage the effects of climate change, and protect sensitive marine ecosystems. It has been said that we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; instead, we borrow it from our children,” he said.
The Deputy President also highlighted the government’s decision to establish the Ministry of Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, saying the move demonstrates Kenya’s long-term commitment to maximizing the economic potential of its oceans while ensuring sustainable conservation.
According to Prof. Kindiki, the ministry was created as part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen governance and coordination of ocean-related matters.
“The creation of a special ministry responsible for the Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs is not an accident nor an afterthought, but a continuation of a long journey that this country has travelled,” he stated.
The conference, founded by former United States Secretary of State John Kerry, is expected to generate new commitments on marine conservation, climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, and ocean-based economic development.
Kenya’s hosting of the summit is being viewed as a significant milestone not only for the country but also for Africa, providing the continent with an opportunity to contribute more actively to global conversations on ocean protection and sustainable use of marine resources.
The event has attracted senior government officials, governors from coastal and inland counties, development partners, environmental experts, and international delegates united by a common goal of securing a healthier and more sustainable future for the world’s oceans.
