By Fridah Mbuvi, 19 June, 2026
Mombasa, Kenya- The historic 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) has officially concluded in Mombasa, marking the first time the global summit has been hosted on African soil.
Held under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the three-day conference brought together more than 6,000 delegates, scientists, and policymakers from 104 countries to accelerate global action on marine conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable ocean governance.
At the close of the summit, participants adopted the Mombasa Declaration, committing to 300 new global actions aimed at restoring marine ecosystems, reducing ocean pollution, and strengthening ocean governance worldwide.
In his closing remarks, President William Ruto urged world leaders to move beyond pledges and focus on implementation, warning that commitments without financing would not match the urgency facing the world’s oceans.
Kenya also unveiled an ambitious blue economy agenda, launching 50 national commitments valued at more than $1.1 billion (about Sh142 billion) to strengthen fisheries, coastal infrastructure, and maritime security.
Key projects highlighted include the Sh2.6 billion Shimoni Fish Port and expanded investment in maritime patrol vessels to enhance ocean security and resource protection.
The conference also agreed on joint regional frameworks to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing across the Western Indian Ocean, a major threat to coastal livelihoods and marine ecosystems.
Youth inclusion and blue-green industrialisation were also central themes, with leaders calling for greater participation of young people in ocean-based innovation and sustainable economic opportunities.
The summit was officially opened by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, alongside senior officials including Blue Economy and Fisheries Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi.
Global participation included former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, founder of the Our Ocean Conference, and Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, while Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho played a key role in hosting and coordinating coastal engagements.
As the summit concluded, delegates expressed optimism that the commitments made in Mombasa would translate into measurable action, particularly in advancing the global 30×30 conservation target to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030.
