Kenya deepens cooperation with UNEP

On the sidelines of the Twelfth Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP12) in Tanzania, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus K Ng’eno, MIEK, CBS  held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP)
The discussions focused on strengthening ocean governance in Kenya and regional cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean, with emphasis on translating regional commitments into coordinated implementation, investment and measurable impact.
Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to the Nairobi Convention as a key regional environmental platform for the Western Indian Ocean and called for strengthened implementation of the Integrated Regional Programme 2025–2035 and the Programme of Work 2025–2028, supported by adequate financing, clear accountability and measurable results.
The PS also highlighted Kenya’s ratification of the Amended Nairobi Convention and welcomed the adoption of the Protocol on Marine and Coastal Biological Diversity and Protected Areas in Zanzibar, noting Kenya’s ongoing national processes towards its signature and ratification.
Discussions further explored marine and coastal biodiversity conservation, including the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 30x30 target, blue-carbon and coastal restoration, marine pollution control, Marine Spatial Planning, sustainable ocean financing and regional preparedness for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
Kenya looks forward to deepening cooperation with UNEP and the Nairobi Convention Secretariat in developing larger, investment-ready programmes that strengthen marine biodiversity, coastal resilience, sustainable blue-economy opportunities and the livelihoods of coastal communities across the Western Indian Ocean region.