Kenya is ramping up efforts to strengthen maritime security, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen calling for deeper international collaboration amid rising global threats.
Speaking in Mombasa during the opening of the 4th Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing Platform (IORIS) Steering Committee High-Level Meeting, Murkomen said enhanced cooperation between governments and maritime agencies is key to safeguarding critical sea routes.
“Proactive cooperation and partnerships are extremely critical in safeguarding our maritime security,” he said, underscoring the growing complexity of maritime threats.
The three-day meeting has brought together regional and international stakeholders, signalling Kenya’s expanding role in global maritime security frameworks. The event is jointly hosted by the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) and the European Union-backed Critical Maritime Routes Indo-Pacific (EU-CRIMARIO) project.
At the centre of discussions is IORIS, a digital platform connecting more than 150 agencies across 70 countries, designed to enable real-time information sharing and coordinated maritime operations.
The push for stronger maritime systems comes as Kenya also eyes economic gains from the sector. President William Ruto recently announced that Norwegian shipping firm Wilhelmsen plans to recruit 1,000 Kenyan seafarers following bilateral engagements—highlighting the link between maritime security and job creation.
European Union officials also signalled continued backing for the initiative, with EU Deputy Head of Delegation to Kenya Ondrej Simek reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to strengthening and investing in the IORIS platform.
Simek noted that the platform’s long-term impact will depend on sustained engagement from participating countries and agencies.
“Together, we can ensure that IORIS evolves beyond a tool into a catalyst for a safer, more secure and cooperative maritime domain,” he said.
Murkomen later officially opened the high-level meeting, welcoming delegates to Kenya and encouraging them to explore the country’s tourism offerings, including the coastal attractions of Mombasa as well as the iconic Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks.
The high-level forum has drawn key figures, including EU-CRIMARIO Director Martin Cauchi Inglott, KCGS Director General Bruno Shioso, and European Union Deputy Head of Delegation to Kenya Ondrej Simek, among other officials.
