Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has made it clear that the Kenyan government is fully committed to protecting the country's ocean resources for both current and future economic benefits. Speaking during the official opening of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, the DP emphasized that safeguarding the ocean is not just an environmental issue but a critical economic priority for the nation.
The Deputy President, who was representing President William Ruto at the event, stressed that the ocean plays a vital role in Kenya's economic growth and development. He pointed out that the current generation has a serious responsibility to ensure that the ocean is handed over to the next generation in a better state than they found it. According to Kindiki, this means taking care of marine biodiversity, managing the effects of climate change, and protecting sensitive marine ecosystems that are under threat.
President Ruto, who addressed the conference through a video link, highlighted the many challenges facing Kenya's ocean spaces. He mentioned that while the ocean powers industries and feeds many Kenyan families, it is currently facing serious threats including global warming, plastic pollution, illegal fishing activities, and the worrying disappearance of marine life beneath the waves. The President assured attendees that Kenya is not just watching from the sidelines but is actively playing its part in preserving its section of the ocean.
The Head of State outlined some of the concrete steps Kenya is already taking to protect its marine environment. He mentioned that the country is actively restoring mangroves, cleaning up water bodies, reforming the fisheries sector, and strengthening ocean governance systems. Ruto also noted that Kenya is opening doors to blue finance, science, and innovation, with the aim of ensuring that conservation efforts actually create opportunities for Kenyans.
A significant development mentioned during the conference was the establishment of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, which is a first for the country. This new ministry, according to Deputy President Kindiki, is specifically designed to look after all matters concerning the nation's waters and will coordinate efforts to protect and sustainably use ocean resources.
The conference, which carries the theme "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future," holds special significance as it is the first time it is being held on African soil. This represents Kenya and Africa's readiness to be part of the global quest for better ocean management and conservation. The event was initiated by former United States Secretary of State John Kerry, who was also present at the Mombasa gathering.
Several key government officials attended the conference, including Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Soipan Tuya from Defense, Salim Mvurya from Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, and Lee Kinyanjui from Investments, Trade, and Industry. Also present were Governors from various coastal counties including Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa, Gideon Mungaro of Kilifi, Issa Timamy of Lamu, and Dhadho Godhana of Tana River, among other dignitaries and representatives from international organizations.
The conference comes at a time when Kenya is increasingly looking to its ocean resources as a source of economic growth, job creation, and food security. With the establishment of the new ministry and the commitments made during this conference, it appears the government is serious about ensuring that the country's marine resources are preserved and utilized sustainably for the benefit of all Kenyans.
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