It’s been a long time coming but finally President Uhuru Kenyatta has officially launched the newly formed Kenya Coast Guard Service at Liwatoni, Mombasa County and commissioned MV Doria, the vessel that the service will use for surveillance.
The Kenya Coast Guard Service was established by The Coast Guard Service Act 2018, and was operationalized on 22nd October 2018. The KCGS is responsible for maritime security and safety, pollution control and sanitation measures as well as prosecuting offenders.
According to President Uhuru, the Coast Guard service will help increase efficiency in enhancing maritime security and protection of Kenya’s resources.
“It will enforce security, safety, and protection of Kenya’s maritime resources,” Uhuru said.
Last week Thursday, the President appointed Brigadier Vincent Loonena as the pioneer Director General of the Kenya Coast Guard Service.
Brigadier Loonena will oversee the protection of the country’s waters against dumping of harmful wastes and pollutants, search and rescue services, and the arrest of illegal fishermen. The service also consists of personnel from the police, army and intelligence services and civilian professionals seconded from the Public Service Commission.
The special force will be head-quartered at the Liwatoni Fisheries Complex in Mombasa but will have a strong presence at the Mombasa, Lamu and Kisumu ports.
Among those who accompanied President Uhuru to the official launch were Deputy President William Ruto, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Majority Leader of the National Assembly Aden Duale and Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Najib Balala.
According to the Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, Kenya loses Ksh. 10 billion in revenue annually due to illegal and criminal activities at sea.
“We have lost a lot of money because of the illegal trade. With the launch of the special force, we are hoping to contain the situation,” said Mr Kibicho.
The MV Doria will have all officers on board to ensure everything is checked before it gets in and out of country in a move that will help authorities deal with crimes perpetrated at sea.
President Uhuru Kenyatta also reiterated that the Coast Guard would ensure that the Ocean will is not used for drug, human trafficking or illegal fishing but instead guard against exploitation of Kenya’s natural resources by foreign countries as well as ensure that no foreign vessel will steal the fish on our Kenyan Coast.
https://twitter.com/UKenyatta/status/1064470127855501312
Do you think the MV Doria will help fight illegal and criminal activities at the sea?