Mombasa: The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable ocean management, maritime safety and the expansion of the blue economy. Speaking during national celebrations to mark World Maritime Day at the Kenya Maritime Authority Mombasa, the Principal Secretary State Department for Shipping and Maritime, Aden Millah, noted that Kenya is enhancing its capacity to secure its maritime domain, attract strategic investment and uphold international shipping standards.
According to Kenya News Agency, through global and regional partnerships, Kenya is building her capacity to secure its domain, attract sustainable investment, uphold international standards and lead in building a resilient and inclusive blue economy not only for the nation but for the Western Indian Ocean region and the world at large. PS Aden Millah emphasized that Kenya, as a maritime nation, is strategically located on the Indian Ocean and bears both a responsibility and an opportunity to harness ocean resources for national growth and regional integration.
This year's World Maritime Day celebration through International Maritime Organization (IMO) has a theme, 'Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,' set the tone for celebrations, highlighting the critical role of oceans in trade, livelihoods, climate regulation and global sustainability. The Principal Secretary said that the Government is stepping up efforts to curb marine pollution, protect coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs, and adopt greener shipping practices to reduce carbon emissions.
PS Millah stated that Kenya's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is abundant in marine life, minerals and untapped energy resources, adding that the ocean supports a myriad of jobs in shipping, search and rescue, marine administration, fishing, aquaculture and an extensive ocean industry. This opportunity provides a conducive environment to foster a diverse and inclusive maritime workforce, decarbonize shipping in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2023 greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy, ensure safety and create opportunities for seafarers.
The PS noted that Kenya has ratified several marine environments, security and safety-related international conventions, which provide a conducive environment for the growth of blue economy activities. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and ocean zoning have been developed, which are critical tools for ensuring the balanced and sustainable use of Kenya's marine and coastal resources.
PS Millah also highlighted that Kenya is strengthening regional and global partnerships that promote ocean health and support a sustainable blue economy. Moreover, PS Aden noted that Kenya recently launched its bid for re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category 'C', which is a clear reaffirmation of Kenya's commitment to actively contribute to the shaping of global maritime policy and safeguard both Kenya's maritime space and regional maritime interests.
The PS used this opportunity to rally all stakeholders in the maritime sector and Kenyans to unite in a shared responsibility to protect the ocean and unlock its full potential for a safer, more prosperous and sustainable maritime future for Kenya.