Kenya has reaffirmed its resolve to champion ocean protection and regional cooperation, with Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa declaring that the country remains firmly committed to “safeguarding our marine resources, strengthening coastal resilience and securing a healthy ocean for generations to come.”

Dr. Barasa delivered the pledge as the Nairobi Convention marked four decades of uniting Western Indian Ocean (WIO) nations in managing and protecting shared marine and coastal ecosystems.

She noted that Kenya “stands ready to contribute through science, leadership and collaboration to catalyse the transformative actions our region urgently needs.”

The remarks came during the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), where Dr. Barasa held discussions with Dr. Jared Bosire, Programme Manager at the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA).

Their engagement focused on the Convention’s ongoing progress and the region’s collective vision for a resilient coastal and marine environment.

Dr. Bosire highlighted the Convention’s critical role in rallying ten WIO countries around a shared environmental agenda.

Since its establishment in 1985 and full operationalisation in 1996 under UNEP’s Regional Seas Programme, the Nairobi Convention has led cooperation on challenges such as marine pollution, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation and climate-induced threats.

He also acknowledged Kenya’s growing leadership under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, noting the Ministry’s strong legal and technical representation in advancing global ocean governance.

Kenya’s dedication to the Convention’s work was echoed by senior ministry officials present at the meeting.

Director for Multilateral Environmental Agreements, Linda Kosgei, affirmed that while the Ministry is not the lead implementing agency for the Nairobi Convention, it remains a key stakeholder shaping Kenya’s regional and global environmental commitments.

Environment Secretary Dr. Selly Kimosop emphasised the growing momentum across the region, saying that frameworks such as the Nairobi Convention have strengthened unity among WIO nations facing shared environmental pressures.

The engagement also brought together key technical officers, including Molu Wato, Director of Waste Management and Pollution Control; Regina Maingi; Faith Nyokabi; and Metrine Too, highlighting Kenya’s whole-of-government approach to marine conservation.

As the Convention enters its fifth decade, Kenya’s message is clear: the future of the Western Indian Ocean depends on bold stewardship, science-driven action, and unwavering regional solidarity, principles the country has committed to uphold with renewed determination.