Nairobi, Kenya – President William Samoei Ruto has announced that Kenya will host the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference in 2026, a significant milestone that underscores the country’s growing reputation as a global leader in ocean conservation and environmental protection.

The decision to entrust Kenya with the hosting rights was made by the organisation’s Advisory Group, recognizing Kenya’s “exemplary global leadership” in tackling ocean and environmental challenges. President Ruto made the announcement in a public statement on Thursday, noting that the event will serve as a powerful platform for advancing Kenya’s blue economy agenda and championing Africa’s climate action in the marine space.

“Kenya is also a pioneer in national policies that tackle ocean pollution,” said President Ruto. “The conference will be an apt opportunity for Kenya to highlight our blue economy agenda and champion Africa’s climate action on oceans, especially in the Indian Ocean, which is a shared resource among 23 countries.”

The Our Ocean Conference brings together global leaders, policymakers, environmentalists, scientists, and stakeholders to mobilize action on ocean health and sustainable marine resource management. It has been instrumental in generating concrete commitments and policy shifts aimed at protecting and restoring marine ecosystems.

President Ruto also revealed that he had held a telephone conversation with former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, the founder of the Our Ocean Conference. Kerry expressed his strong support for Kenya as the 2026 host nation, reinforcing international confidence in the country’s environmental stewardship.

Kenya’s selection as host follows its track record of progressive policies, including a pioneering ban on single-use plastics in protected areas and ongoing investment in marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. The East African nation has also played a key role in galvanizing African leadership in climate diplomacy.

The 2026 conference is expected to attract global attention and galvanize new partnerships aimed at preserving the health of oceans while advancing sustainable development goals.