By Suleiman Mbatiah
Kenya will host the Ocean Conference Ministerial Meeting in June, a high-level forum focused on trade, investment and economic cooperation across the Indian Ocean region.
The meeting will bring together ministers, investors, innovators, civil society groups and community leaders. Discussions will centre on practical and bankable projects in the blue economy.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said the ocean economy is already a significant pillar of Kenya’s growth.
Coastal and marine tourism accounts for about 8.2 percent of the country’s Gross domestic product (GDP).
Kenya is also set to host the 11th Our Ocean Conference later this year, marking the first time the global forum will be held in Africa. The conference will focus on climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, maritime security, pollution control, conservation and the ocean economy.
Held under the theme Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future, the Our Ocean Conference will examine how marine resources support livelihoods, culture and economic development.
Speaking from Davos, Switzerland, where he attended an ocean investment forum, Kinyanjui said Kenya’s geography positions it as a key maritime player. He cited the 536-kilometre coastline, major ports and location along strategic shipping routes.
The June meeting comes as the government intensifies efforts to grow the blue economy. Kinyanjui said priorities include improving sea routes, strengthening connectivity and reducing cargo transit times to lower trade costs.
“For Africa to actualize intra-African trade, deliberate investments and policy coherence are required to lower logistics costs and incentivize private capital at scale,” he said.
He added that the meeting is also expected to boost tourism and related services.
The State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries estimates that the sector could contribute up to Sh500 billion annually to Kenya’s GDP and create more than one million jobs.
Since its launch in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has secured more than 2,600 commitments worth over Sh21 billion, largely directed at ocean sustainability initiatives.
Kenya’s renewed maritime focus comes as the Indian Ocean gains global economic and strategic significance, linking trade between Asia, Africa and Europe.
Port infrastructure, led by the Port of Mombasa, remains central to this ambition. The government is upgrading facilities to improve efficiency and cut logistics costs for the region.
The June ministerial meeting is expected to attract strong participation from Indian Ocean rim countries and international financial institutions. Talks will focus on aligning public policy with private investment.
Officials say targeted blue economy investments could unlock growth in coastal regions, alongside ongoing efforts in marine spatial planning, ecosystem restoration and sustainable fisheries.
Preparations are ongoing, with Kenya seeking to use the forum to advance trade, investment and the sustainable use of ocean resources.