By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, May 28, 2026 - Kenya has intensified preparations for the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11), with the government rallying private sector players and global investors ahead of the landmark summit set for Mombasa next month.
The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs on Wednesday held a high-level strategic meeting bringing together leaders from the banking, shipping, logistics and ICT sectors at Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi.
The meeting, led by Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, sought to mobilise partnerships ahead of the global conference scheduled for June 16–18, 2026.
Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Abdi Millah said Kenya was honoured to become the first African country to host the prestigious ocean summit.
“Kenya is deeply honoured to host this global event in Mombasa from June 16 to 18 under the theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future’,” said Mr Abdi.
“This marks a monumental milestone as the first time the conference is being convened on the African continent, underscoring our leadership in ocean governance, marine conservation and the blue economy,” he added.
Mr Abdi said the government was working closely with industry stakeholders to unlock investment opportunities in Africa’s growing blue economy sector.
“A key highlight for our industry partners is the upcoming Executive Business and Investment Forum dedicated to unlocking investment, innovation and enterprise growth in the African blue economy,” he said.
The forum will be held on June 14 and 15 ahead of the main conference and is expected to attract investors, policymakers and innovators from across the globe.
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Mr Abdi noted that firms including MAERSK, SEACOM, KCB, PAKPRO and Centum had already expressed strong commitment to the initiative.
“Seeing the strong commitment from giants like MAERSK, SEACOM, KCB, PAKPRO and Centum reinforces that a sustainable blue economy requires a collective anchor,” he said.
“The Ministry remains committed to these vital public-private partnerships as we countdown to a world-class conference,” he added.
The PS also revealed that Kenya will host three major pre-conference events on June 14–15, including the Youth Leadership Summit, the Executive Business and Investment Forum, and the Academia and Research Symposium.
Speaking during an intergovernmental preparedness meeting earlier this month, Mr Abdi commended ministries and agencies involved in the planning process.
“Together, we are ensuring the delivery of a world-class conference and advancing Kenya’s legacy in sustainable ocean action and international cooperation,” he said.
The preparatory meeting brought together several Principal Secretaries, including Dr Raymond Omollo (Internal Security), Dr Belio Kipsang (Immigration and Citizen Services), Alex Wachira (Energy), John Ololtuaa (Tourism), Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy and Fisheries), Teresia Mbaika (Aviation and Aerospace Development), Harry Kimtai (Mining), and Mohammed Daghar (Transport).
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