From the bright lights of Hollywood to the sandy shores of Mombasa, actress and ocean advocate Kate Walsh has brought a touch of star power to the global oceans conference that is underway at the port city.
Best known to millions of movies and TV series fans around the world for her roles in Grey’s Anatomy , Private Practice , Emily in Paris and 13 Reasons Why , Walsh is in Kenya this week as an ambassador for Oceana, one of the world's leading ocean conservation organisations participating at the 11th Our Ocean Conference.
Her presence in the country is already drawing attention, not only for her celebrated acting career but also for her passionate commitment to protecting the world's oceans. This has added a distinct flavour to a gathering that has brought together heads of state, policymakers, scientists, business leaders and environmental advocates from around the world.
For Walsh, the visit is more than a ceremonial appearance.
Raised along California's northern coast, she developed an early fascination with the ocean while exploring the tide pools of Santa Cruz.
Grey's Anatomy star and America's prominent ocean advocate Kate Walsh.
Photo credit: Pool
Over the years, she has transformed that personal connection into advocacy, working with Oceana to support campaigns aimed at protecting American waters and promoting stronger protections for sea turtles and sustainable fisheries.
Since arriving in Mombasa, Walsh has ventured beyond the conference halls, meeting fishers and community leaders whose livelihoods depend directly on the sea.
“It’s an honour to be in Kenya with Oceana for the Our Ocean Conference. Since arriving in Mombasa, I’ve had the opportunity to speak directly with fishers and community leaders along the coast, and I’ve seen just how essential the ocean is to food security and livelihoods,” she said, in a statement to the Nation .
Walsh called on leaders to put interests of coastal communities at the heart of their deliberations, noting that behind the high-level pledges and policy discussions are millions of people whose daily lives are intertwined with the health of marine ecosystems.
"But our oceans are under threat and the communities who depend on healthy oceans most are already feeling the impacts. As this critical convening begins, decision makers must ensure local fishers and coastal communities have a seat at the table and that concrete actions are delivered in support of these important communities," she added, ahead of delivering a keynote speech at the conference on Wednesday, June 17.
On Monday, Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho and Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi joined Walsh at a reception. The two praised her participation in the conference as a symbol of the international cooperation needed to safeguard marine ecosystems.
"We are delighted to have Kate Walsh join us at the 11th edition of Our Ocean Conference. We recognise Kate for her invaluable contribution to the creative economy and appreciate her presence at this conference,” Mr Joho stated.
Delegates at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa in this photo taken on16th June 2026.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
He added that her presence underscores the importance of international collaboration in protecting oceans, promoting sustainable use of marine resources and unlocking the immense economic potential of blue spaces for present and future generations.
On her part, Ms Njagi noted that Walsh's involvement highlights the growing role celebrities and public influencers can play in mobilising global action for conservation.
Beyond her environmental work, Walsh's advocacy spans women's health, children's healthcare and entrepreneurship. She serves as a long-time advocate for Planned Parenthood, supports Operation Smile and is the founder of the award-winning Boyfriend Perfume brand.
