By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya June 08, 2026 - Kenya has renewed its commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and promoting the sustainable use of ocean resources as the country joined the rest of the world in marking World Oceans Day 2026.
The celebrations, held at Gedi in Kilifi County under the theme “Reimagine",brought together government agencies, conservation groups, community organizations, and environmental stakeholders to highlight the importance of healthy oceans in supporting livelihoods, trade, and economic development.
Speaking during the event, Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Aden Abdi Millah said Kenya remains committed to balancing economic growth with the conservation of marine ecosystems.
"On this World Oceans Day, we join the global community in celebrating and reflecting on the life-sustaining marvel that covers more than 70 per cent of our planet. As custodians of our nation's maritime space, we recommit ourselves to the sustainable management, protection and utilization of our vast marine resources," he said.
Millah noted that oceans are central to global commerce, carrying more than 90 per cent of world trade, and stressed the need for sustainable shipping practices and resilient maritime infrastructure.
He said Kenya's maritime development agenda is focused on strengthening maritime security, modernising port facilities, and investing in quality training and certification for seafarers to support the country's growing blue economy.
The PS said this year's World Oceans Day celebrations come shortly after Kenya hosted the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa,becoming the first African country to host the global forum during Ocean Month.
According to Millah, commitments and partnerships forged during the conference are already contributing to Kenya's transition towards a sustainable ocean economy.
"The tangible actions, partnerships and conservation pledges forged during the Our Ocean Conference are already driving our transition toward a sustainable ocean economy, proving that regional leadership can catalyse global change," he said.
He added that the conference theme, “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,"complements this year's World Oceans Day theme by encouraging countries to rethink and strengthen their relationship with the ocean as a shared global resource.
As part of the celebrations, environmental groups, government agencies, and community organizations conducted a major beach clean-up exercise at Aquarius Beach in the Watamu Marine Protected Area.
According to the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Gede Centre, participants collected 878 kilograms of plastic waste,which will be sorted and recycled.
The clean-up involved several organizations, including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), KEFRI,Kilifi County Government,Watamu Municipality,EcoWorld Watamu,Bahari Hai ,New Roots,The Pona Initiative,and,Dabaso Youth for Future,
Aden emphasized that ocean conservation is critical to the success of Kenya's maritime and blue economy ambitions.
"We cannot have a thriving maritime sector without a healthy ocean," he said.
World Oceans Day is observed globally every year on June 8 to raise awareness about the importance of oceans, promote marine conservation, and encourage sustainable use of marine resources.
Kenya has increasingly positioned itself as a leader in ocean governance and the blue economy, with policymakers seeking to harness maritime resources while protecting marine biodiversity for future generations.
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