Kenya has taken an important step towards the completion of its National Maritime Security Strategy (NMSS) following a workshop organised with the support of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and held in Mombasa from 6 to 10 July, as part of the Safe Seas for Africa (SSA) programme, funded by the European Union.
The workshop brought together representatives from key government ministries, agencies and maritime institutionsto review and strengthen the draft Strategy, ensuring that it reflects Kenya’s evolving priorities in maritime security, governance requirements and operational needs.
A strategy adapted to emerging maritime challenges
Participants reviewed recommendations from previous consultations and refined the Strategy’s vision, strategic objectives, implementation framework and performance arrangements.
Discussions focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation, improving maritime domain awareness, and enhancing the role of beach management units and coastal communities as partners in maritime safety and security.
Emerging challenges were also addressed, including cyber threats, uncrewed systems, threats to critical underwater infrastructure, climate change and the constantly evolving geopolitical environment.
Protecting the blue economy and strengthening international cooperation
Built around the objectives of protecting Kenya’s sovereignty, safeguarding its blue economy and strengthening national, regional and international cooperation, the NMSS will provide a coordinated national framework to enhance maritime security.
The Strategy will guide implementation across government while supporting collaboration with regional and international partners.
Through the Safe Seas for Africa programme, the IMO supports Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania and Comoros in strengthening maritime governance, improving regional maritime security cooperation and promoting a safe and sustainable maritime sector.
Participants included representatives from the State Department for Maritime Transport and Maritime Affairs (SDSMA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice (OAG&SDOJ), the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Directorate of Immigration Services, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Navy (KN) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
