President William Ruto has challenged world leaders to move beyond promises and accelerate action to protect oceans, warning that marine ecosystems are facing unprecedented pressure from climate change, pollution and unsustainable human activities.
Speaking during the closing session of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Ruto said the world must urgently mobilize resources, strengthen partnerships and embrace innovation to safeguard oceans for future generations.
The conference brought together more than 6,000 delegates from 56 countries, including government leaders, environmental experts, investors and conservation organizations focused on advancing global ocean protection efforts.
Ocean Under Growing Pressure
Ruto noted that the ocean has played a crucial role in protecting humanity from the worst effects of climate change by absorbing excess heat and carbon emissions.
However, he warned that marine ecosystems are increasingly struggling to cope with rising environmental pressures.
“The ocean faces significant and, in many respects, unprecedented challenges. By absorbing 90 per cent of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases and almost a third of carbon dioxide emissions, it has quietly altered its own chemistry and physics to shield the rest of us,” Ruto said.
“But the ocean can absorb only so much. And now it is pushing back,” he added.
The President pointed to rising sea levels, stronger storms, ocean acidification and growing marine pollution as clear indicators of the strain facing oceans across the world.
Call for Greater Investment and Innovation
Ruto emphasized that global efforts to conserve oceans must be supported by adequate financing and modern technologies.
He argued that commitments alone would not deliver the transformation required to address the scale of the crisis.
“Commitments without the means to deliver them will never match the urgency or the scale of what the ocean now demands of us,” he said.
The President called on governments, development partners and private sector players to work together in mobilizing resources and deploying innovative solutions that support conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
“We must find new and bolder ways to mobilise finance, deploy technology and innovation, build capacity, and make our existing ocean frameworks work together rather than apart,” Ruto said.
Kenya Commits Billions to Blue Economy Agenda
During the conference, participants announced more than 300 new commitments valued at approximately $6.4 billion to support ocean conservation initiatives globally.
Ruto revealed that Kenya alone had made 50 commitments worth about $1.1 billion aimed at strengthening the country’s blue economy and protecting marine ecosystems.
“Together, you have registered over 300 new commitments with a combined value of about $6.4 billion. Kenya alone has made 50 commitments valued at $1.1 billion in support of our blue economy,” he said.
The commitments are expected to support marine conservation, fisheries restoration, pollution reduction, maritime security and sustainable economic activities linked to ocean resources.
Balancing Conservation and Economic Growth
The President reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to promoting sustainable development while protecting marine ecosystems.
He said the country is investing in offshore renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, circular economy initiatives and inclusive ocean planning to create jobs while preserving natural resources.
Ruto urged delegates to ensure that the commitments announced in Mombasa are translated into tangible outcomes that benefit both people and the environment.
“The future of our ocean depends not on what we promise today, but on what we deliver tomorrow,” he said.
He called for collective global responsibility to ensure oceans remain healthy, productive and resilient for generations to come.
