Kenya has taken a significant step towards finalizing its National Maritime Security Strategy (NMSS), following an IMO-supported workshop held in Mombasa (6-10 July), under the European Union-funded Safe Seas for Africa (SSA) programme.
The workshop brought together representatives from key government ministries, agencies and maritime institutions* to review and strengthen the draft Strategy, ensuring it reflects Kenya's evolving maritime security priorities, governance requirements and operational needs.
Participants considered recommendations from earlier consultations and refined the Strategy's vision, strategic objectives, implementation framework and performance arrangements. Discussions focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation, enhancing maritime domain awareness and reinforcing the role of Beach Management Units and coastal communities as partners in maritime safety and security. They also addressed emerging challenges such as cyber threats, uncrewed systems, threats to critical underwater infrastructure, climate change and the evolving geopolitical environment.
Built around the goals 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 strengthen maritime security. It will guide implementation across government while supporting collaboration with regional and international partners.
Through the Safe Seas for Africa programme, IMO supports Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania and Comoros in strengthening maritime governance, enhancing regional maritime security cooperation and promoting a safe, secure and sustainable maritime sector.
*Participants attended from State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs (SDSMA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Office of the Attorney General/State Department of Justice (OAG&SDOJ), State Dept. for Blue Economy & Fisheries, Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), National Intelligence Service (NIS), Directorate of Immigration Services, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Navy (KN), Kenya Forest Service (KFS)
