IOSH supports Ocean Centres Kenya launch

A transformative step toward a safer and more sustainable ocean economy has been taken with the launch of Ocean Centres Kenya in Mombasa.

The launch, on Wednesday 6 August, is not only a landmark moment for Kenya but also a significant stride forward for the global ocean economy. The Ocean Centres initiative, first unveiled in June 2025 at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, is a pioneering global network set to operate in seven emerging economies across the Global South. These are Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These centres are designed to embed safety at the core of sustainability in ocean industries.

IOSH, which is collaborating on this initiative, has congratulated the Global Compact Network Kenya and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation for their visionary leadership in bringing this ambitious initiative to life.

Chief Executive Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher delivered a video address at the launch. She highlighted that a truly sustainable ocean economy cannot exist without prioritising safety, equity, and protection for the people who sustain it. 

Vanessa added: “As the world’s largest chartered professional body for occupational safety and health, IOSH is deeply aligned with the vision of the Ocean Centres initiative: to make the ocean economy safe, sustainable, and fair.”

IOSH’s presence at the event was further strengthened by Nanis Kanana, IOSH Consultant in Kenya, who participated in a panel session. Nanis underscored the critical role of OSH in driving a sustainable blue economy. She emphasised that people are the central force behind ocean industries and must be protected through inclusive design, equitable policies, and evidence-based standards that address both occupational injuries and illnesses. Special attention was given to safeguarding vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and informal sector workers.

Also in attendance was Philip Wangulu, OSH and Environment Manager at Bulkstream Logistics and one of IOSH’s dedicated member volunteers in Kenya.

Looking ahead, the Kenya Ocean Centre will host a ten-session workshop series, including eight local sessions and two cross-country workshops to foster global collaboration. These workshops will focus on key action areas with the greatest safety challenges and opportunities for improvement:

• Shipping and ports
• Fishing and aquaculture
• Offshore renewables
• Finance and investment

IOSH is proud to be part of this vital initiative and remains committed to supporting efforts that build a resilient, safer world through engineering excellence and transparent collaboration.