Kenya is strengthening its efforts to protect marine ecosystems through enhanced collaboration aimed at tackling plastic pollution and advancing a circular economy approach.
In a statement, Principal Secretary for the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries Betsy Njagi said she held discussions with industry stakeholders on coordinated strategies to curb marine plastic waste.
The talks focused on aligning institutional and private sector efforts to reduce the flow of plastics into the ocean, an environmental challenge described as transboundary and requiring multi-sectoral action.
“We agreed to extend this collaboration beyond the Conference by working towards a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize joint initiatives in marine plastic pollution, research and data sharing, public awareness, and policy advocacy. This partnership will reinforce Kenya’s leadership in regional and global efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems and advance a cleaner, healthier ocean for present and future generations,”she said.
Key areas of discussion included packaging stewardship, improved waste collection systems, and strengthening recyclability standards as part of broader circular economy solutions.
The engagements also looked ahead to the 11th Our Ocean Conference scheduled for June 2026 in Mombasa, where Kenya is expected to spotlight efforts to address marine pollution and promote sustainable ocean use.
Njagi noted that the collaboration will be formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding to support joint work on marine pollution research, data sharing, public awareness and policy advocacy.
She added that the initiative reinforces Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems while promoting a cleaner and more sustainable blue economy.
