Kenya Secures Historic Hosting Rights

Kenya has officially embarked on preparations to host the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in 2026, marking the first time the prestigious global event will be held on the African continent. The decision was confirmed earlier this year when the Republic of Korea handed over hosting rights during the 10th OOC.

This milestone positions Kenya as the gateway for Africa to influence critical conversations on ocean governance, climate resilience, and the sustainable blue economy.

Steering Committee Formed for Preparations

The Deputy Head of the Public Service, Amos Gathecha, chaired the inaugural consultative meeting with government stakeholders at Harambee House. The session established a National Project Steering Committee tasked with overseeing preparations for the event.

Principal Secretaries across key ministries—including Environment, Tourism, Transport, Fisheries, Youth, and Immigration—were mandated to spearhead different components of the national plan. Gathecha emphasized Kenya’s privilege in hosting the forum, underscoring that inclusivity, innovation, and coastal community engagement will guide the preparation process.

Learning from Past Successes

Kenya’s successful record of hosting global summits was highlighted as a foundation for this endeavor. Gathecha cited the 2018 Sustainable Blue Economy Conference and the 2016 Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI), both of which earned international acclaim for the country’s organizational capacity.

“The 11th OOC will showcase the richness of our marine resources and the innovations our people are driving in ocean protection,” he noted.

Global Delegates Expected

The 2026 conference is projected to attract at least 4,000 delegates to Kenya’s coastal region. Attendees will include heads of state and government, ministers, scientists, philanthropists, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and ocean champions.

Principal Secretary for the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, Betsy Njagi, stressed that the platform would give Africa a rare opportunity to shape the global ocean agenda.

Building on a Decade of Commitments

Since its inception in 2014, the OOC has generated over 2,000 commitments aimed at combating illegal fishing, reducing marine pollution, expanding marine protected areas, and advancing sustainable blue finance. Previous hosts include Chile, Malta, Norway, Palau, and the Republic of Korea.

For Kenya, the 2026 edition is not just an international summit—it is a chance to elevate Africa’s voice in global ocean governance while showcasing the country’s leadership in sustainable marine resource management.