Kenya on Tuesday received new state of art and modern sea vessels from the European Union’s (EU) Go Blue Project expected to help security forces operating on water bodies beef up security operations.
The five vessels will enhance maritime safety as well as bolster Search and Rescue (SAR) operations along Kenya’s Coastline. The vessels will also be instrumental in responding to emergencies.
The vessels which will operate at both near the shore and in deeper waters include two large and three smaller boats equipped with cutting-edge navigation and technology systems.
Furthermore, the vessels are built to withstand rough seas, featuring reinforced hulls to ensure safety during turbulent weather. The search and rescue operations boats are also equipped with advanced technology systems like radar, GPS, sonar, and other modern tools that enhance search operations in both day and night conditions.
EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Greiger (centre) in a past press briefing with EU officials in Kenya.
Photo
EUinKenya
In a statement, the European Union(EU) revealed that the donation was part of its efforts to ensure that Kenya enhances its capacity to respond to emergencies at the sea and subsequently bolster its maritime safety.
The EU also committed to champion for more cooperation in maritime affairs by extending more support.
“The European Union is proud to partner with Kenya in supporting its maritime safety and security. By investing in modern equipment and capacity-building for key personnel, we are ensuring that more lives can be saved in emergencies at sea,” stated Henriette Geiger, European Union Ambassador to Kenya.
The vessels will be stationed along key points of Kenya’s Coastline, ready to respond to emergencies with greater speed and precision.
On its part, the Kenya Maritime Authority(KMA) led by Acting Director General Julius Koech stated that the donations will go a long way in helping its officers respond to emergency situations and save lives.
He added that Kenya maritime personnel already had the necessary training to use the boats, making the donation a timely intervention.
“The delivery of these SAR boats is a game changer for Kenya’s maritime safety. With these resources, we are better equipped to respond quickly and save lives. Our personnel, trained and ready, will utilize these boats to their full potential, ensuring swift and coordinated responses to any distress at sea,” Koech added.
Kenya’s rescue efforts at the coastal and inland waters majorly rely on the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) officers, the Kenya Red Cross, and various County Rescue Teams which all grapple with varying degrees of capacity and equipment challenges.
However the Kenya Coast Guard Service is the main agency responsible for enforcing laws, protecting maritime resources and protecting Kenya’s territorial integrity along the Coastal shores.
MV Jinan floating on Indian Ocean at the Mombasa Coastline.
