Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on the international community to take bold, coordinated steps to safeguard the world’s oceans and end plastic pollution.
Speaking at the second Nairobi Environmental Diplomacy Symposium (NEDS-2) held at the United States International University–Africa, Mudavadi urged for legally binding commitments and increased financing to support marine conservation efforts.
He proposed the creation of an Ocean Science-Policy Panel, the advancement of sustainable ocean governance through the ratification of the BBNJ and Fisheries Subsidies Agreements, and the establishment of a UN Ocean Finance Facility to support marine restoration and coastal livelihoods.
“We must end plastic pollution across its full life cycle. This effort must be backed by robust financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building,” said Mudavadi, advocating for a global treaty to tackle plastic waste.
He also called for a just transition to green development, including a global phase-out of single-use plastics in favor of circular and biodegradable alternatives.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa joined the call, outlining Kenya’s priorities for the upcoming UN Ocean Conference (UNOC-3).
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s leadership on environmental issues and welcomed the UN’s decision to expand its Nairobi presence with three new global offices.
“A just transition and circular economy are not optional—they are imperative for our planet’s future,” he said, adding that the move cements Nairobi’s role as a global hub for environmental diplomacy.
