In support of Kenya’s Blue Economy President Uhuru Kenyatta has today officially launched the Kenya Coast Guard Service and with it also commissioned the Mv Doria Vessel that will be used by the Kenya Coast Guard Service to patrol Kenya’s waters as the country step’s it’s efforts in protecting, and effectively harnessing its maritime resources.
The President, who was in Mombasa was received Governor Ali Hassan Joho. Other government officials present at the launch include DP William Ruto, Interior CS Fred Matiangi and her Defence counterpart Rachel Omamo.
The Kenya Coast Guard service is tasked with the management and enforcement of laws in Kenya’s internal and territorial waters.
The Kenya Coast Guard Service will be responsible for enforcing maritime security and safety, pollution control and sanitation measures as well as prosecution of offenders.
The new Kenya Coast Guard Service will also be responsible for port and coastal security, search and rescue, as well as protection of maritime resources.
The President also ordered the Fisheries department and the National Land Commission to recover and secure all fish landing sites in Kenya.
The president noted on Monday that many of the sites and other public properties are in the wrong hands as they were acquired illegally by private developers.
Mr Kenyatta wants all the assets returned to the government by the first quarter of 2019.
“I have directed the National Land Commission & the Department of Fisheries to ensure that all fish landing sites at the Coast, at Lake Victoria, & other areas across the country are recovered & secured by the end of the first quarter of 2019,” said the President.
The Kenya Coast Guard service will be headed by Brigadier Victor Naisho Loonena. It comprises personnel from the police, army and intelligence services and civilian professionals seconded from the Public Service Commission.
The service is tasked with the management and enforcement of laws in Kenya’s internal and territorial waters.
See More Photos of the MV Doria Vessel Below:
Do you think Kenya is finally having it right with regards to the protection of it’s Maritime resources?