How CS Joho Nomination to UNOC can Boost Kenya’s Blue Economy
Cabinet Secretary for mining and Blue economy Ali Hassan Joho with Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro (Left) at the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC 3) in Nice, France. (Photo / Courtesy)
By Andrew Mwangura
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The nomination of Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, as Vice President of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference represents a watershed moment for Kenya’s maritime diplomacy and Africa’s voice in global ocean governance.
As the conference unfolds in Nice, France, from June 9-13, 2025, Kenya finds itself at the epicenter of international efforts to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.
This appointment positions Kenya as a key architect of the Nice Ocean Action Plan, a comprehensive framework that will guide global ocean conservation efforts for years to come.
For a nation whose 536-kilometer coastline and vast Exclusive Economic Zone represent untapped economic potential worth billions of dollars, this moment demands strategic thinking and bold action.
The significance extends far beyond diplomatic prestige, as Kenya’s blue economy currently contributes approximately 2.5% to the national GDP, with potential to reach 10% by 2030.
The conference provides a critical platform to attract international investment, secure climate financing, and access cutting-edge ocean technologies essential for sustainable development.
With rising sea levels threatening coastal communities and marine ecosystems facing unprecedented stress, Kenya’s participation reinforces its position as a climate action leader, particularly important for the 3.5 million Kenyans living in coastal areas.
As Africa’s voice in ocean governance, Kenya has an opportunity to champion the interests of 38 African coastal nations, whose collective blue economy potential is estimated at $405 billion annually yet remains largely untapped due to capacity constraints and limited access to international markets.
The stakes are particularly high given that illegal fishing costs Africa $11.5 billion annually while marine pollution threatens food security for 200 million coastal Africans.
This makes UNOC 3 a crucial opportunity to strengthen international cooperation on ocean security and sustainable resource management.
Cabinet Secretary Joho should pursue a multi-dimensional strategy that maximizes Kenya’s influence while delivering tangible benefits for the nation and continent.
The establishment of an African Blue Economy Alliance should be a priority, using Kenya’s platform to propose a formal continental mechanism for coordinating blue economy policies, sharing best practices, and pooling resources for major ocean conservation initiatives.
This alliance should complement existing African Union frameworks while focusing specifically on maritime economic development.
Equally important is advocating for differentiated responsibilities that recognize African nations’ minimal contribution to ocean degradation despite facing disproportionate impacts from climate change and marine pollution.
Kenya should leverage this opportunity to launch the Kenya Ocean Innovation Hub, positioning the country as Africa’s gateway for ocean-related investments and partnerships while establishing a regional center of excellence for marine technology, research, and innovation.
High-level meetings should be utilized to secure specific commitments from developed nations for marine conservation projects, sustainable fisheries management, and blue economy infrastructure development in Kenya and partner African nations.
The conference presents an ideal moment to propose the African Coastal Resilience Initiative, a continent-wide program for coastal adaptation that combines traditional knowledge with modern technology to protect vulnerable communities while creating employment opportunities in marine conservation.
Strengthening regional fisheries governance through enhanced monitoring, control, and surveillance systems to combat illegal fishing and ensure sustainable resource use should also be prioritized.
Cabinet Secretary Joho should champion innovative financing mechanisms such as debt-for-ocean swaps, following successful models in Seychelles and Barbados, where African nations can reduce debt burdens in exchange for marine conservation commitments.
Securing commitments from developed nations for technical assistance, training, and technology transfer specifically tailored to African blue economy development needs will be crucial for long-term success.
The Cabinet Secretary should organize a special Africa Ocean Leadership Summit, bringing together African heads of state and government to adopt a unified continental position on ocean governance and commit to specific blue economy targets.
Launching a Youth Ocean Champions Program would engage young people across Africa in ocean conservation while creating pathways for education, employment, and entrepreneurship in the blue economy.
Establishing an African Ocean Investment Fund could provide a continental financing mechanism supporting blue economy projects by combining public and private resources with international climate finance.
Kenya’s ocean conservation leadership should be showcased through its success in establishing and managing marine protected areas, offering the Kenyan model as a template for other developing nations.
The country’s innovative approaches to community-based marine conservation demonstrate how traditional knowledge and modern science can be integrated for sustainable ocean management.
This positions Kenya as the natural leader for East African ocean cooperation, proposing enhanced coordination mechanisms for the Western Indian Ocean region.
The presence of Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi alongside Cabinet Secretary Joho signals Kenya’s serious commitment to translating conference outcomes into concrete action.
Their joint participation should focus on developing a detailed implementation roadmap with clear timelines, resource requirements, and accountability mechanisms.
Establishing regular review processes to track progress on voluntary commitments and creating platforms for ongoing dialogue between Kenya and international partners will facilitate continuous learning and adaptation of ocean governance strategies.
The nomination of Hassan Joho as Vice President of UNOC 3 represents more than recognition of Kenya’s blue economy potential; it is a strategic opportunity to reshape global ocean governance from an African perspective.
The conference’s outcomes will influence international ocean policy for the next decade, making Kenya’s leadership role both a privilege and a responsibility.
Success will be measured not just by diplomatic acclaim or international agreements signed, but by the tangible benefits delivered to Kenya’s coastal communities, the fishing industry, and the broader blue economy ecosystem.
As the conference progresses, Kenya’s ability to translate its Vice Presidential role into concrete gains for the nation and continent will determine whether the country emerges as a true ocean superpower or remains a peripheral player in global maritime affairs. The stakes could not be higher, nor the opportunity more significant. The time for bold ocean leadership has arrived, and Kenya stands ready to seize it.
The author is a policy analyst specializing in African blue economy development and ocean governance. Views expressed are independent and do not represent any official position.
