Mining PS Harry Kimtai and WWF-Kenya CEO Jackson Kiplagat with other panellists during a side event at the Ocean Conference/Handout
Kenya has joined a growing global movement calling for a precautionary pause or moratorium on deep seabed mining, becoming the 42nd country to adopt this position as pressure mounts to safeguard fragile ocean ecosystems.
The announcement adds momentum to a growing coalition, with 42 countries now supporting a pause or moratorium, urging governments worldwide to protect the deep sea.
Speaking at the “Navigating the Future of the Deep Sea”
session during the 11th Our Ocean Conference, Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai underscored the urgency of acting cautiously amid limited
scientific understanding of deep-sea environments.
“The interest in deep seabed mining is advancing faster than the architecture that guides it,” Kimtai said.
“That is why Kenya is lending its voice to calls for a precautionary pause until there is sufficient science to support evidence-based decisions. We are yet to get there. We support the precautionary pause.”
The PS made the remarks in Mombasa during the 11th edition of the ocean conference, themed Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.
The theme highlights the deep connection between coastal communities and the sea, focusing on sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and the protection of marine ecosystems for future generations.
Kimtai also called for strengthened scientific research and urged a shift towards circular economy approaches as a more sustainable alternative to deep seabed mining.
He noted that although Kenya has made progress in geospatial mapping, it has not yet ventured into offshore seabed exploration, reinforcing its position that decisions must be based on robust scientific evidence.
Kenya’s announcement strengthens global advocacy efforts seeking to pressure governments to act cautiously, with concerns growing that risks to marine biodiversity and ocean health remain too significant to ignore.
Speaking during a side event in Mombasa, WWF-Kenya CEO Jackson Kiplagat welcomed the government’s decision to support a precautionary pause on deep seabed mining.
“The government has demonstrated leadership by putting science first and strengthening multilateral cooperation through joining the growing coalition of nations committed to ensuring that the protection of the marine environment remains at the heart of all decisions concerning the deep sea,” Kiplagat said.
