Kenya to Host 2026 Commonwealth Ocean Meet
Kenya had already signaled interest in hosting the following session, provisionally scheduled for January 2026 in Mombasa.
Mudavadi concluded by inviting Commonwealth member countries to unite in implementing the 2024 Apia Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) resolutions. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Kenya’s Commitment to Ocean Sustainability
TNA Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed Kenya is well placed to host the Commonwealth Ocean Ministerial Meeting (CMM) in 2026. The move is a pointer to the country’s sustained commitment towards promoting sustainable ocean governance, climate action, and guarding the environment.
Speaking to the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) being held concurrently with the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mudavadi assured Kenya’s readiness. He emphasized that the event will build on the success of the first Commonwealth Oceans Ministers Meeting (COMM) held in April 2024 in Cyprus.
Linking Global Declarations to Local Action
As he addressed the gathering, Mudavadi resided on the 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration adopted in line with the theme “One Resilient Common Future.” He noted that the declaration represented a landmark in uniting member states to take firm actions against rising sea levels alongside other pressing climate threats.
Kenya had already signaled interest in hosting the following session, provisionally scheduled for January 2026 in Mombasa. Though the last word is still pending, the action signals the country’s historic position in leading global climate action and regional environmental resilience.
Advancing Climate and Biodiversity Goals
The New York negotiations also resonated with the imperative of delivering the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target. The leaders stressed that protecting oceans, forests, and ecosystems must remain at the center of sustainable development.
Mudavadi also highlighted Kenya’s ambitious plan to afforest 1.5 billion trees by 2030 under its approach in biodiversity restoration. This is a significant proof of national policies to support international agreements in the protection of the environment.
Push for Global Financial Reforms
But still another major concern raised by Mudavadi was that the international financial system needs to be revamped with all due speed. He stated that the majority of Commonwealth nations have mounting debt, limited sources of revenue, and high borrowing interest rates, which impair their ability to be maximally effective in addressing climate shocks.
The need, Mudavadi said, is a fairer financial architecture—a one that increases climate adaptation, reduces barriers to financing, and advances resilience in vulnerable nations.
Harnessing Collective Commonwealth Strength
Mudavadi concluded by inviting Commonwealth member countries to unite in implementing the 2024 Apia Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) resolutions. The resolutions sought urgent measures to save and manage sea resources sustainably, particularly under climate change, pollution, and exploitative depletions.
Since joining the Commonwealth in 1963, Kenya has received the support of the organization in constitutional reforms, democratic consolidation, and institutional development. Hosting the 2026 Ocean Ministerial Meeting, Mudavadi expressed, would not only advance Kenya’s agenda on the environment but also raise its leadership role in the global family.
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