Kenya Moves to Strengthen Port Security and Maritime Safety in Regional Waters

Kenya has stepped up efforts to strengthen port security and safety of navigation as the country works with regional partners to address emerging risks and protect critical maritime infrastructure in the Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean (EA-SA-IO) region.

This was highlighted during the National Validation and Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on the Assessment of National Assets and Identification of National Priorities for Port Security and Safety of Navigation, held on Friday at the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Bahari Towers, Mombasa.

The workshop brought together Government officials and technical experts from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to review and validate the findings of an assessment of Kenya’s national maritime assets and identify priority areas requiring greater attention to enhance port security and maritime safety.

The session was chaired by Maj. (Rtd.) George N. Okong’o, Head of Technical, State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs.

Participants examined the assessment findings and provided technical recommendations expected to inform the development of a regional policy framework on Port Security and Safety of Navigation for the EA-SA-IO region.

The consultations come at a time when the security and efficiency of maritime transport remain critical to Kenya’s economy, with the country’s ports serving as key gateways for international trade and regional supply chains.

The workshop emphasized the need for stronger coordination among Government agencies responsible for maritime affairs, security, port operations and navigation to ensure that Kenya is adequately prepared to respond to emerging maritime security and safety challenges.

Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of strengthening maritime security infrastructure, navigational safety systems, information sharing, institutional capacity, emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.

The assessment is expected to provide a basis for identifying gaps in the country’s existing maritime security and safety arrangements while helping establish national priorities that can be integrated into the broader regional policy framework.

Maj. (Rtd.) Okong’o said the stakeholder consultations were important in ensuring that Kenya’s national interests and priorities are adequately captured in regional efforts to strengthen maritime security and safety.
“This stakeholder consultation is very critical in ensuring that Keny’s national interests and priorities are adequately captured in regional efforts to strengthen maritime security and safety,”

The engagement further underscored the strategic role of secure and efficient ports in supporting shipping, trade, logistics, investment and the growth of Kenya’s blue economy.

As a major maritime gateway for the region, Kenya continues to play an important role in facilitating the movement of goods and people through the Western Indian Ocean, making port security and safety of navigation critical components of the country’s economic and national security agenda.

The recommendations arising from the national validation workshop will contribute to the ongoing regional process and help shape measures aimed at creating safer, more secure and resilient ports and maritime transport systems across the EA-SA-IO region.