The Intergovernmental Oceano-graphic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is the United Nations (UN) focal point for marine sciences and ocean services. It was established in 1960 as the specialized mechanism of the UN system to coordinate the ocean scientific research and services world wide. As a result of its functional autonomy, IOC is governed by an assembly constituted by all the affiliated Member States. The Assembly then elects the Executive Council that oversees the implementation of decisions adopted by the assembly. The Executive Council consists of a Chairperson, five vice - chairpersons with regional representations and the Member States. Kenya was re-elected into the Executive Council for yet another two year term for the 2006-2007 biennium. Dr. Jonhson Kanzungu, the director of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Institute (KEMFRI) is the Kenya’s designated representative to the Executive Council while Mr. Boniface Wanyama, the Assistant Secretary General, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO in charge of the Natural Sciences would be the designated alternate representative while Kenya’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Her Excellency Rachelle Omamo, would serve as an advisor.

Kenya joined the IOC in 1973 and has been actively participating in IOC activities. The KEMFRI whose current and previous directors have served on the Executive Council for a couple of years, is the focal point for IOC activities. Their consistent and active participation together with that of the National Commission for UNESCO in IOC activities have given the country a greater visibility within the IOC fraternity. They therefore need to be supported to sustain this momentum.

© Paul Joynson Hicks/Blue Mango

Key highlights of the meeting
• Dr. Johnson Kazungu, the Director of KEMFRI, was reelected as member of the IOC Executive Council for a Second Term.
• Kenya together with other countries co-sponsored the following three out of the sixteen draft resolutions adopted at the assembly: IOC principles and strategy for capacity building; implementation of the IOC strategy for capacity building; and Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System. The implication of this is that Kenya would be enjoined in the implementation of these activities. Already the Kenyan Scientists from the Meteorological Department are participating in this global initiative.

• As a result of the envisaged implementation of the draft resolution on the Intergovernmental coordination group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami warning and mitigation system Kenya was expected to submit the name of the focal point institution and expert to act as the national Tsunami Warning Centre. This institution will have the responsibility to officially receive Tsunami related information bulletins and warnings.
• With regard to capacity building, Kenya together with other Member States especially those from the African region stressed the need for not only human resource capacity building but also strengthening of institutions with relevant equipment.

• Kenya offered to join the intercessional working group of programme and budget. This group is expected to report to the next session of the IOC assembly in 2007 on the ways of addressing the budgetary challenges currently facing the organization.

• It was noted that among the eleven professional staff of IOC the African region was not represented. Kenya as a Member State of UNESCO needs to join with other Members States to make a strong intervention on the need to have regional representation in the employment of professional staff for the IOC during the UNESCO General Conference.

Borrowing from the experiences of the just concluded elections in which Kenya was re-elected on the Executive Council for the IOC, Kenya will require identify strong candidates with sound academic and professional qualifications, serving in relatively senior positions either in government or internationally having a relatively long and remarkable experience in the field of competence. Given that the UNESCO meetings and organs have unique procedures, systems and operational guidelines, there is need to have consistency in the attendance of meetings by the relevant designated persons. This will enhance not only the visibility of the country but also the persons as well. There should also be intensive lobbying both at the UNESCO Permanent Delegation and also with the embassies within the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be requested to do this.