Kenya elected to International Seabed Authority council for 2027‑2030 term

Kenya has been elected to the council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for the 2027‑2030 term during the 31st Session of the ISA Assembly in Kingston, Jamaica, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’Oei has announced.

In a statement, PS Sing’Oei said the election reflects the confidence the international community has placed in Kenya’s longstanding commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), rules‑based ocean governance and the sustainable management of marine resources.

“Kenya is honoured to have been elected to the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for the 2027‑2030 term during the just concluded 31st Session of the ISA Assembly in Kingston, Jamaica,” PS Sing’Oei said.

He noted that Kenya’s election also recognised the country’s efforts in advancing maritime scientific research and promoting equitable and inclusive stewardship of the world’s oceans.

According to the PS, Kenya will use its position on the council to strengthen international cooperation on ocean governance and support the sustainable management of the common heritage of humankind.

“This election reflects the confidence of the international community in Kenya’s longstanding commitment to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), rules‑based ocean governance, sustainable management of the common heritage of humankind, advancing maritime scientific research, and equitable and inclusive stewardship of the world’s oceans,” he said.

PS Sing’Oei added that the country would continue working closely with ISA member states to implement the outcomes of the Nairobi Sustainable Blue Economy Conference and the 11th Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa, the first edition of the global conference to be hosted in Africa.

“Kenya will remain committed to ensuring that the outcomes of the Nairobi Sustainable Blue Economy Conference and the Mombasa Eleventh Our Ocean Conference are implemented in close partnership with ISA members and in line with the UNCLOS mandate,” Sing’Oei said.

ISA is an intergovernmental organisation established under the 1982 UNCLOS to regulate mineral‑related activities in international seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction. It currently has 172 members, comprising 171 states and the European Union (EU).