William Samoei Ruto, PhD

As we bring the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa to a close, we must translate promises into tangible action. The health of our oceans will not be secured by declarations alone. We must find new and bolder ways of mobilising finance, harnessing technology and innovation, strengthening capacity, and accelerating the implementation of our shared commitments. Let the true measure of this conference not be what we pledged on the shore, but what we deliver in the water. Kenya stands ready to lead by example. We commit to fully implement the 50 commitments we have made at this conference towards our blue economy valued at over $1.1 billion (KSh142 billion). To our distinguished guests, we thank you for your partnership, your ideas, and your commitment to this shared cause. We invite you to discover even more of what Kenya has to offer - our hospitable people, our diverse cultures, our rolling landscapes, and our boundless opportunities. Karibuni Kenya tena.

We will continue working closely with our partners in the blue economy to share experience, knowledge, innovation, and research in advancing this agenda. In the past three years, we have made deliberate and sustained investments significantly expanding the blue economy sector as a catalyst for economic growth and shared prosperity. Kenya remains committed to pursuing this growth in a sustainable manner, ensuring the health and resilience of our oceans for current and future generations. On the sidelines of the 11th Ocean Conference in Mombasa, held discussions with European Union Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis on strengthening cooperation in ocean governance, fisheries development, and the growth of the blue economy in general.

At the 11th edition of Our Ocean Conference, Mombasa County.

Kenya has committed over KSh145 billion ($1.1 billion) in the development of the blue economy ecosystem, enabling the sector to meaningful contribute to the country's economic growth. Kenya also remains steadfast in supporting the United Nations' priorities on ocean governance and ocean financing, recognising their critical role in safeguarding our oceans and advancing shared global prosperity. Met UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for the Ocean Peter Thomson on the sidelines of the 11th Ocean Conference in Mombasa. Discussed ways of strengthening collaboration in advancing sustainable ocean management and financing initiatives for the benefit of Kenya and the world.

11th Our Ocean Conference, Mombasa County. x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

At the Port of Mombasa, we toured research vessel Dr Fridtjof Nansen, a state-of-the-art marine ship owned by the Kingdom of Norway, operating under the flag of the United Nations and managed by the Institute of Marine Research.

We remain focused in our commitment to advancing the blue economy as a strategic pillar for enhancing food security, creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities for young people. The vessel’s scientific work will expand our understanding of the vast resources within our oceans, strengthening knowledge on marine productivity, sustainability, and effective resource management. Equally important is the collaboration between the vessel’s research team and Kenyan scientists, which will enhance local capacity, advance maritime research, and contribute to the sustainable development of our ocean economy.

We remain focused in our commitment to advancing the blue economy as a strategic pillar for enhancing food security, creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities for young people.

11th Our Ocean Conference, Mombasa County. x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Tour of Dr. Fridtjof Nansen Research Vessel, Mombasa. x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

The international community must pay attention to Africa. Our continent is central to the future of global growth and shared prosperity. With some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a youthful population, and abundant natural and mineral resources, Africa is uniquely positioned to help drive the next era of global expansion. But Africa is not seeking partnerships built on the extraction of raw materials for processing elsewhere. We seek a different model of growth, one that creates value on our continent. Let us process our minerals in Africa, manufacture in Africa, build industries in Africa, and create jobs in Africa, while sharing the benefits through partnerships that create prosperity for both Africa and our global partners. A stronger Africa will mean stronger supply chains, larger markets, greater investment opportunities and more resilient global growth. Africa’s success is a global opportunity, and the future of prosperity will be shaped by what we build together. Highlighted Africa’s central role in the future of global growth during the G7+ Working Session on Reviving Balanced and Shared Growth for All in Évian, France.

I had the honour of participating in the G7+ working session on “Reviving Balanced and Shared Growth for All,” where I argued that Africa is central to the future of global growth. I called on the G7 and the wider international community to partner with Africa in creating value on the continent, unlocking opportunities for shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Kenya and the Republic of Korea continue to deepen cooperation in trade, ICT, energy and agriculture. Met President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, where we reviewed progress following the establishment of permanent offices for the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Nairobi, strengthening support for investment, infrastructure and development cooperation. We further advanced discussions on preferential market access for Kenyan products, including tea and coffee, and explored expanding our bilateral labour arrangement to create more opportunities for Kenyans, including opening pathways for Kenyan teachers to work in South Korea. I also welcomed yesterday’s signing of the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Certificates for Seafarers between Kenya and the Republic of Korea, which will enhance employment opportunities for Kenyan seafarers in the global maritime industry.

On the margins of the G7 Leaders’ Summit, I held discussions with OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman on opportunities to deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. We explored potential collaboration through establishing Nairobi as the home of the first OpenAI Academy initiative in Eastern Africa, expanding AI education, strengthening digital skills, supporting educators and learners, and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leading hub for AI talent and innovation. I underscored the importance of harnessing emerging technologies to create opportunities for young people, drive innovation and ensure Africa plays a meaningful role in shaping the future digital economy.

With fellow leaders on the third and final day of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, engaging in discussions on shared global priorities and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development, economic growth and international cooperation.

Kenya and the European Union are united by shared values and a shared ambition: building prosperity that is inclusive, green, and sustainable. Held productive talks with H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and we agreed to deepen our partnership in three strategic areas: expanding trade through our landmark Economic Partnership Agreement to open markets, attract investment, and create jobs; advancing data adequacy to position Kenya as a trusted digital partner for seamless and secure data flows; and leveraging the Global Gateway initiative to channel investment into the infrastructure, energy, and connectivity that will power Kenya’s transformation. This is a partnership of equals, measured not by aid, but by what we build, invest, and achieve together. Make it in Kenya. Make it clean. Sell it to Africa, Europe, and the world.

We value the longstanding relations between Kenya and India and remain committed to strengthening this partnership for the benefit of our people. Held talks with Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France. We reaffirmed our commitment to deepening bilateral ties and working together in multilateral forums to advance the aspirations of the Global South, including inclusive growth, sustainable development and a more equitable international order.

A memorable evening at La Source Vive, where four international artists and a children's choir came together for a stirring musical performance for Heads of Delegation and their spouses attending the G7+ Summit at the Évian Resort. Set within the elegant atmosphere of the theatre and illuminated by the warmth of the evening, the performance transcended borders, reminding us of our shared humanity and the power of culture to bring people together.

Kenya supports efforts to advance a peaceful resolution to the Russia–Ukraine conflict through dialogue, diplomacy and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter. We believe lasting peace is best secured through cooperation, adherence to international law and a stronger, more representative global system. Held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France. We reviewed progress in Kenya–Ukraine relations and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture and food security. We also agreed to fast-track plans for the establishment of a grain hub at the Port of Mombasa to strengthen regional food security and help address supply shortages across East Africa.