Maritime security: an economic stake for African States
International trade is very critical to many African economies, with over 90% of Africa’s imports and exports conducted by sea. In 2017, Kenya’s six coastal counties contributed an estimated KES0.7 trillion - equivalent to 9% of the national GDP - providing direct employment opportunities to over 500,000 people and supporting over two million people indirectly.
In 2005, when maritime piracy in the western Indian Ocean was at its height, the Kenyan shipping industry lost between US$300 million and US$400 million per annum.
Fighting against illegal maritime activities in Kenya
The Indian Ocean offers Kenya an enormous economic potential of marine resources, such as fishing, aquaculture, coastal and marine tourism, as well as research activities. Yet, these opportunities are not fully exploited.
In order to develop its blue economy, Kenya needs to fight against illegal maritime activities to help create a wealth of new income-generating activities and opportunities for the coastal communities. This objective will only be reach through a multi-stakeholder approach whereby all Kenyan actors (including the judiciary, legislative, private sector, civil society and local communities) work hand in hand to respond to maritime safety and security challenges.
In September 2018, Kenya established its coast guard service as a first step to actively combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in its territorial waters as well as to take measures to enhance security and safety of seafarers in collective waters.
Go Blue: Securing Kenyan maritime territory to further develop the blue economy
The Go Blue project was created in this context to address maritime safety and security challenges in Kenya and thereby contribute to further develop and expand a sustainable thriving blue economy across the country.
While advocating and encouraging all Kenyan maritime agencies to work and collaborate together effectively, the Go Blue maritime security project will assist the country in the development and implementation of its maritime strategy. The project will also strengthen the capacity of the Kenya Coast Guard Service and other national and regional agencies involved in maritime security, by fostering a culture of information exchange, cooperation and collaboration.
In addition, the Go Blue project will assist Kenya with developing strong legal instruments and regulatory frameworks to address maritime threats and implement maritime law enforcement in the country. Overall, facilitating bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries and enhancing regional cooperation in the area of maritime security is one of the key components of the Go Blue maritime security project in Kenya.
For futher reading : Beach Management Units are crucial in safeguarding Kenya’s blue economy
For futher reading : Safety comes first: Expertise France trains 288 Kenyan fishers
Visit the project's website: www.goblue.co.ke/
