Stakeholders Unite to Champion Pollution-Free Oceans in Kenya Coast
The East Africa Ocean Festival (TEAOF) Hamisi Mwaguya addressing Journalists. (Photo By Mbungu Harrison)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
MOMBASA – Government agencies and private sector players have joined forces In a unified effort to combat ocean plastic pollution and protect Kenya’s marine ecosystems along the Kenya’s coastline.
The Kenya Coast Guard Service, Mombasa County Government, Kenya Wildlife Service, and organizers of The East Africa Ocean Festival (TEAOF) have launched a series of public sensitization initiatives aimed at promoting a sustainable blue economy.
TEAOF co-founder Hamisi Mwaguya urged Mombasa residents to actively participate in upcoming events, particularly the beach cleanups scheduled for this weekend. He emphasized the critical role clean, plastic-free beaches play in supporting a thriving marine environment.
“This Saturday, we officially kick off the East African Ocean Festival 2025 with an exciting line-up: a Health Walk from Sabasaba to Jumeirah Beach in Nyali, a Beach Cleanup to restore our shores, and to crown it all — a spectacular Camel Race competition expected to draw both local and international tourists,” Mwaguya announced.
The festival, set to take place in October this year, will combine conservation efforts with cultural celebration to raise awareness about ocean preservation.
“We urge Mombasa residents to be part of these activities as we celebrate, conserve, and enjoy our ocean together,” Mwaguya added, encouraging a strong turnout from the local community.
Haitham Farid, Solid Waste Management Officer at the Mombasa County Government, highlighted the persistent challenge of beach pollution and called for tighter regulations to curb the issue.
Kenya Coast Guard Services Sub-Lieutenant Deborah Karimi also stressed the need to protect marine life from plastic waste. “We continue to urge beachgoers to keep our ocean clean. Littering along the shores poses a serious threat to fish and other marine organisms,” she said.
The event aims to promote sustainable use of ocean resources, environmental protection, and the preservation of Kenya’s rich coastal cultural heritage. By working hand in hand, government bodies and private partners hope to drive meaningful change and secure a cleaner, healthier future for Kenya’s oceans.
