Kenya won a seat on the Council of the International Seabed Authority for the 2027-2030 term, in a vote held during the ISA Assembly's 31st Session in Kingston, Jamaica. The result gives Nairobi a place on the 36-member executive body that governs mineral activity on the international seabed.
By LCN Wire
Why does the Kingston vote matter for the Caribbean?
The election played out in the Caribbean, at the ISA Assembly's 31st session in Kingston, Jamaica, which hosts the Authority. The Kenya Times reported that the ISA Council is a 36-member body that shapes the policies governing exploration and potential exploitation of mineral resources in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Star reported that the ISA now counts 172 members, made up of 171 states and the European Union, and oversees the use of mineral resources in international waters.
People Daily, KDRTV and The Eastleigh Voice each carried the news that Kenya secured the ISA Council seat for the 2027-2030 term.
What did Kenyan officials say about the win?
Citizen Digital reported that Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei welcomed the election. According to The Kenya Times, Sing'oei said in an August 1 statement that Kenya was honoured to be elected, and that the outcome reflected the international community's confidence in Kenya's commitment to UNCLOS, rules-based ocean governance and sustainable management of marine resources.
Nairobi Leo reported that Sing'oei tied the new role to commitments Kenya made during major blue economy conferences it hosted, saying the country would keep working with ISA member states to deliver on those outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Kenya's ISA Council term run?
The term runs from 2027 to 2030, as reported by People Daily, KDRTV, The Eastleigh Voice and The Kenya Times.
Where was the election held?
The election took place during the 31st Session of the ISA Assembly in Kingston, Jamaica, according to The Kenya Times and the Star.
What is the ISA Council responsible for?
The Star reported that the ISA regulates mineral-related activities in ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction. The Kenya Times reported that the Council is a 36-member body shaping policies on the exploration and potential exploitation of seabed mineral resources under UNCLOS.
For the Caribbean, a region where Kingston already anchors global seabed governance, Nairobi's new seat signals how far the contest over deep-ocean minerals now reaches beyond any one shore.
The rules being written for that contest are tracked on LCN’s compliance desk.