Africa Day of Seas: Kenya Rallies for Ocean Protection and Blue Economy Jobs

Africa Day of Seas

Kenya officially joined the African Union in commemorating the Africa Day of Seas and Oceans 2025 a pan-African initiative designed to increase awareness on marine conservation maritime security and the sustainable use of ocean resources. Held annually on or near July 25, this important observance is rooted in the African Union’s strategy to harness the Blue Economy for Africa’s Development while countering threats such as ocean pollution overfishing, maritime insecurity and weather change.

From beach cleanups along Mombasa’s shores to policy dialogues hosted by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), the country’s multi-stakeholder approach reinforced its commitment to protecting Kenya’s marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

What Is Africa Day of Seas and Oceans?

Established in 2015 by the African Union (AU) the Africa Day of Seas and Oceans underscores the continent’s urgent need to protect its 13 million square kilometers of maritime space. It is more than a symbolic date it is a rallying call for area cooperation in ocean Governance and a platform to highlight Africa’s Maritime trials and untapped potential.

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2025 Theme (Unofficial):

“Protecting Africa’s Maritime Ecosystems for Sustainable Development”

Kenya’s Role: A Coastal Nation Leading from the Front

As a nation through over 600 kilometers of coastline Kenya continues to play a critical role in regional maritime affairs. This year’s commemoration brought together key institutions with:

• Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
• State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries
• Kenya Coast Guard Service
• Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA)
• County governments of Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, and Tana River
• Regional bodies like IGAD and AU-IBAR

Important Highlights of Kenya’s Participation:

• Beach cleanups in Diani, Kilifi and Watamu
• Marine biodiversity awareness campaigns
• Policy forums on maritime governance and security
• Coastal youth empowerment exhibitions
• Blue Economy investment roundtables

Priority Focus Areas for Kenya’s Marine Conservation Strategy

1. Combating Marine Pollution

Plastic waste, oil spills and industrial runoff continue to threaten aquatic biodiversity in Kenya, mainly in areas like Shimoni and Vanga. Community-led cleanups and community-private partnerships are taking center stage.

2. Maritime Security Enhancement

Through the Kenya Coast Guard Service struggles are ongoing to tackle:

• Illegal fishing in Kenya’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
• Piracy and drug trafficking beside the Swahili Coast
• Marine surveillance using satellite and drone tech

3. Sustainable Fisheries And Aquaculture

Backed by KMFRI research in Kilifi and Lamu Kenya is growing eco-friendly fish farming dropping overfishing and increasing food security.

4. Weather Change Adaptation for Seaside Communities

From Tana River delta floods to growing sea levels in Mombasa Kenya is spending in:

• Flood warning systems
• Livelihood diversification for vulnerable communities

5. Blue Economy Job Creation

Kenya views the Blue Economy as a frontier for job creation specially for youth and women in:

• Marine tourism
• Boatbuilding and repair
• Ocean sciences
• Seaweed and crab farming

By the Numbers: Kenya’s Ocean Conservation Impact

Expert Insights: Voices from the Coast

“We are not just marking a day we are defending a future. The ocean is our economy our culture, our lifeline.”
Prof. James Kairo, Marine Scientist, KMFRI

“Every plastic bottle thrown into the sea is a lost fish, a lost jo and a lost future.”
Fatma Ahmed, Mombasa Environmental Activist

Call to Action

Want to support Kenya’s marine future?